The 18 Best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance Books You Must Read

Recently updated on July 14th, 2024 at 11:31 am

Nothing beats escaping into a good fantasy romance. These 18 LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books will transport you to another world.

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I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with fantasy romance books.   Fantasy books offer the best escapism. 

The problem is, finding fantasy books with LGBTQ+ Romance is tricky.  Likewise, I don’t have an unlimited budget for books (sadly!)

So, how do you know which LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance Books are worth your time?

 I’ve browsed Reddit, Facebook groups and my bookshelves. And I’ve compiled 17 of the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books.

  I’ve read and loved every single book on this list.

Let’s discover the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books

What are the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance Books?

Here are the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books.

These are the queer Fantasy Romance books I REALLY recommend.

1. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

1,498,634 good reads reviews. A 4.4 star rating. And a bestseller. Been on booktok? Then chances are you’ve heard of this popular LGBTQ+ fantasy romance. So, I had to include it in this post.

The problem is I wasn’t personally a fan.

You must be wondering …how can I  dislike such a popular book?

The beginning and ending are powerful and emotionally charged. But the pace REALLY drags in the middle. Making this a tad difficult to read.

This Greek Mythology retelling focuses on the heart-breaking romance between Achilles and Patroclus. Likewise, the ending will devastate you.

We follow Achilles and Patroclus. Handsome Achilles charms everyone he meets.

While Patroclus is an awkward young prince exiled from his homeland.

The Centaur Chiron trains them in the arts of war and medicine.  But when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped, all heroes are called to siege Troy.  Achilles joins their cause. And Patroclus follows.

But the years that follow will test everything.

Song of Achilles wasn’t my favourite book. But thousands of readers love this book. So if you’re after  the best queer Fantasy Romance books then you should  check this out.

Want mlm fantasy books? I have a whole blog post dedicated to fantasy books with mlm romance. Check out my blog post on mlm fantasy books.

2. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

Maybe it’s the secret magical society. Mayybe it’s the dark academia vibes. Or maybe it’s the spicy enemies to lovers romance. But I devoured this book. And it has everything I adore in a gay fantasy romance.

We follow Robin Blyth. An administrative error names him liaison to a secret magical society. He must tackle magic’s dangers and a deadly curse. All while he searches for his missing predecessor.  To do this, he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey. His prickly magical society counterpart.

The problem is Edwin Courcey clearly wishes Robin were anyone else.

Are you a fan of historical fiction or dark academia? Then you need to read this one. The secret society of magicians works perfectly. The intriguing, opening mystery keeps you hooked until the last page. But the mlm romance in an Edwardian setting adds nuance and sets this romantasy apart.

Magic, smart characters and an academic setting make this a great choice for fans for LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books.

3. Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

Enjoy cottagecore books? Looking for a lighthearted, cozy fantasy romance? Silver in the Wood is the book for you. This enchanting romantasy features a grumpy forest guardian and an adorable queer grumpy/sunshine romance.

We follow Tobias, a forest guardian. One day Henry Silver moves into Greenhollow Hall. And everything changes.

Silver starts to dig up old secrets. Secrets best left forgotten.

Fans of the cottagecore aesthetic will adore this book. The whimsical forest imagery enchants the reader and makes you want to live in a cottage in the woods. The mythical creatures add to the sense of magic and whimsy.

The mlm romance is adorable. And the grumpy/sunshine trope is executed perfectly. With excellent character development for both characters.

And on top of that, it’s a short and easy read. I listened to the audiobook. And the whole duology is only 5 hours. An easy binge-read.

If you have a long journey this is the perfect audiobook. Fan of audiobooks? Lucky for you I have a whole post on fantasy audiobooks. Check out my post on fantasy audiobooks here.

4. The Lightning Struck Heart by TJ Klune

The Lightening Struck Heart is a hilariously smutty romantasy featuring a gay unicorn named Gary. And the main character has an incredible dry and sarcastic sense of humour.

We follow Sam.  One day, in an alleyway in the slums of a city, he accidentally turns a group of teenagers into stone.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power.

Sam is pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King’s Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

With compelling characters and hilarious banter, this book will make you laugh out loud. Chaotic Sam tends to blurt out things randomly. Making for many funny moments.

From the beginning, this book is openly and unashamedly queer. Whether that’s jokes about gay unicorns or twinks. Sam is friends with a gay unicorn called Gary and a half-giant.

Fan of sarcastic, dry humour? Then you will love this book. The perfect low-stakes fantasy.

One of the best queer fantasy romance books. You need to pick it up.

5. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

Sarah J Maas fan? You will love a Dark and Hollow Star. This high-stakes gay fantasy romance is set in an urban city with fae. Plus it features a mystery and a high-stakes plot.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.

Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

The book has not one but two compelling romances. And the characters are what make them perfect.

Arlo and Nausicaä have amazing chemistry. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

The romance is paired perfectly with mystery, fast-paced plots and worldbuilding. The writing is easy to read and launches straight into the action, keeping you hooked until the last page.

6. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

Hocus pocus fan? You’ll love this duology featuring Sapphic witches in Salem.

These Witches Don’t Burn is ideal if you’re after a romance with a touch of fantasy. This urban fantasy reads as more of a ya contemporary. But it still features witches and a compelling mystery.

We follow Hannah, a witch living in Salem. A dark blood ritual interrupts her end-of-school bonfire. And she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica. She also meets Morgan. But trying to date in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy and will test Hannah’s limits.

This ya fantasy duology is easy to binge-read and finish. A short duology is refreshing compared to other long fantasy series.

 Don’t get me wrong – it’s not hard-hitting.

But sometimes I want a warm, cozy read.

The queer characters are well incorporated and are just part of life.  This makes it a comforting read. And perfect if you’re after LGBTQ+ fantasy romance books.

These Witches Don’t Burn is one of the best wlw fantasy books. If you’re after wlw fantasy books, I have a whole blog post full of recommendations. Check out my article for ya wlw fantasy books here.

7. Cinderella is dead by Kalynn Bayron

This Sapphic Cinderella retelling gives a twist on the classic story, with BIPOC characters and a lesbian main character.

The premise is that teen girls are now required to appear at an annual ball where men select wives. But Sophia wants to marry her childhood best friend Erin. And isn’t a fan of the whole parade in front of suitors thing.

She decides to flee and take down the king once and for all.

The dystopian twist on the classic Cinderella story makes this book unique. And the plot keeps you hooked throughout. Women overthrowing a dystopian patriarchy, witches and a forest.

 Kalynn Bayron writes woodland and cottagecore imagery beautifully. This book will 100% make you want to live in the forest. 

The romance is adorable. It is a tad insta-lovely but it is still well-developed and offset the dystopian plot perfectly. Keeping the book cute and lighthearted.

I also LOVE that it’s a standalone.

 Standalone ya fantasy books are hard to find. Let alone with lesbian representation. If you’re looking for a ya lesbian fantasy book then I highly recommend Cinderella is Dead.

8. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Please read the trigger warning before you pick this romantasy up. This fark fantasy romance features dark themes. But handled sensitively.

This enchanting fantasy features beautiful Asian worldbuilding and mythology woven into the book. This is paired with magic, a dystopian society and sapphic romance.

We follow Lei, a member of the Paper Caste. And the people of Ikhara persecute her.

 She sees the royal guards take her mother. Afterwards, Lei suffers with trauma. But the guards return and try to take Lei. She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort. But she falls in love.

Natasha Ngan was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Malaysia for the beautiful worldbuilding in this book. Malaysia is a country with a mix of cultures and Ikhara was heavily inspired by this.

The character development is excellent. I loved the wlw romance in the book. The grumpy/sunshine trope was executed perfectly. The plot of the book is quite dark but handled sensitively

The pacing did lapse a bit in the middle for me. But the character development was so good that I still enjoyed reading it.

9. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

This sea-wild take is dark, moody and atmospheric. Full of bitter witches, blood and sacrifice. This is paired with a beautifully written cursed romance.

Lina lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. Every year the Witch Queen lures a boy back to her palace and sacrifices her on the full moon. And so, keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced her brother is going to be taken. She asks Thomas Lin to help. Thomas is the only person to survive the sacrifice. But they draw the Queen’s attention. And instead, Thomas is taken.

Lina offers herself instead of Thomas. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected. And they must choose between saving the island or themselves.

The premise of this book instantly hooks you in. If you’re looking for a book with an enemies-to-lovers romance with a morally grey love interest – then this is the book for you.

It was an angsty slow-burn romance. And Lina and Eva had an amazing grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The cursed romance setup was well executed and made the book tragically romantic.

10. Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Automae, urban fantasy and rebellion. Criers War is an epic urban fantasy novel and a true enemies-to-lovers romance.

A War has ravaged the kingdom of Rabu. The Automae took over the estates of their owners and bent the human race to their will.

Ayla is a human servant rising the ranks at the House of Soverign. 

She dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter – the beautiful Lady Crier.

Now, Ayla, a human servant rising the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier was Made to be beautiful. Flawless. And to take over her father’s work.

Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father’s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla.

Be warned, when I say slow burn – I mean slow burn. But the concept and plot are intriguing. And the romance is adorable. Ayla and Lady Crier are both from opposite worlds but learn from each other.

One of the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books. You need to read this page-turner.

11. Malice by Heather Walter

This sapphic romantasy was an instant 5-star read from me. This Sleeping Beauty retelling focuses on the villain, Maleficent. Plus the retelling features fae and dystopian worldbuilding. This is also a duology, making it easier to read than a long series.

 Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

We follow Alyce – the dark grace.

Left abandoned in Briar, the dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar. Except for Princess Aurora.

Not only does Princess Aurora accept her. But she encourages Alyce to accept herself

This book is a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae. The residents of Briar remind me of the residents of the Capitol.

If you’re looking LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books then you need to pick up this duology. You will love the dystopian world building, morally grey main character and grumpy/sunshine romance. Plus the duology includes some fantastic mythical creatures.

12. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

A Captivating dystopian romantasy featuring one of the best enemies-to-lovers romances. 

We follow Daniela Vargas, she lives in a dystopian world where each man is entitled to 2 wives. A Primera and a Segunda. The Primera is intelligent, calm and analytical. The Segunda is the mother figure.

Outside the wall, people go hungry. Dani started life outside of the wall. And she must use her wits to survive illegally in the capital. She is also married to one of the most powerful men in the kingdom.

The premise was intriguing. And the main character was instantly likeable. She also grows a lot through the book. But the romance is what makes this perfect. Two badass women married to a Straight man but fall in love with each other.

The world-building is also excellent with atmospheric,  dark academia vibes. It opens in a prep school for girls. But discusses  important issues such as immigration politics and forced marriage.

 We set the Dark on Fire features an intriguing dystopian premise and a likeable, strong-minded main character.

This YA  LGBTQ+ Dystopian book explores immigration politics, toxic masculinity and feminism.  A great choice if you’re looking for fantasy books with dark academia vibes.

13. Spellhacker by M.K. England

Spellhackeris a high-stakes magical heist. Filled with diverse characters, magic and witty banter. Plus the chronic illness representation is excellent.

Spellhacker is set in a world where magic ( known as maz) was once freely available. But an earthquake unleashed a deadly plague. And now maz is a tightly controlled and expensive commodity.

We follow Diz, she runs an illegal maz siphoning business with her three best friends. They get offered one last massive heist that could change everything.

This book opens with a bang. And the opening hooks you in instantly. And it’s fast-paced throughout. A quick binge-read.

If you’re looking for a well-written standalone then you should read Spellhacker.  It felt like a cross between Ready, Player One and Six of Crows.

If you’re after the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books, you need to read this book.

14. Under the whispering door by T.J. Klune

Searching for a lighthearted romantasy? While this deals with death, it feels cozy and lighthearted. This feel-good fantasy features a cute teashop and an adorable romance.

We follow Wallace Price. A reaper comes to collect him from his funeral. But instead of taking him directly to the afterlife, leads him to a tea shop in a small village.

Hugo runs the teashop but is also the ferryman to souls who need to cross over. But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived.

The easy-to-read writing makes this perfect for novice fantasy readers. While it includes fantasy elements, it reads as more of a YA contemporary.

This book deals with heavy topics such as death, grief and loss. But despite such heavy topics this is a light-hearted, comforting read. T.J. Klune uses laughter,  emotions and romance to it.

If you’re looking for queer Fantasy books you should definitely pick up T.J Klune’s work. For even more mlm Fantasy recommendations – check out this blog post for even more mlm fantasy books.

15. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

A captive princess, forbidden magic and a sapphic romance. This popular fantasy book is constantly recommended online. But with heavy worldbuilding, this isn’t for everyone. And this LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance is more suited to seasoned fantasy readers.

Malini has been imprisoned by her dictator brother and spends her days isolated in Hirana, an ancient temple.

Priya, a maidservant,  makes the treacherous journey to the top of Hirana every night. She cleans Malini’s chambers.

She is thrilled to be anonymous. Especially if it keeps her dangerous secret safe.

But Malini accidentally witnesses Priya’s true nature. And their destinies become irrevocably tangled.

This book is full of epic worldbuilding, magic and morally grey lesbians.  If you like an enemies-to-lovers fantasy book with LGBT Characters then you should pick this one up

16. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

This enchanting fantasy romance features an intriguing mystery, an old castle and a witch. The fast pace makes this easy to binge-read.

Bitterthorn is set in Blumwald, a town overshadowed by an ancient curse. In a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a witch. Once a generation, she claims a companion. Never to be seen again.

We follow Mina, daughter of the Duke. Grieving and lonely, she has lost all hope for any future. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina volunteers.

Stranded with her darkly alluring captor, the mystery of what happened to the previous companions draws Mina into the heart of a terrifying secret that could save her life, or end it

This compelling fantasy book has the most stunning, gothic worldbuilding. An old, crumbling castle, wild woods and a small town. The result is a haunting tale of two lost souls finding each other.

17. The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Mermaids, witches and Sapphic pirates. This queer fantasy book has it all. This is paired with enchanting worldbuilding on board the pirate ship and fascinating fables.

In this dual POV, we follow Flora and Evelyn. Flora takes on the identity of Florian to earn the respect of the crew. For a former starving orphan, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival.

But as pirates prepare to sell passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to Lady Evelyn Hasegawa. She’s en-route to a dreaded arranged marriage.

Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian.

This must-read balances romance and stunning worldbuilding perfectly with discussions of colonialism. The characters were diverse and the plot twists hook you in.

18.The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Sunbearer Trials is an incredible urban fantasy book with a transgender main character. The stunning Mexican worldbuilding and mythology is woven into the plot. And it has serious Hunger Games Vibes.

It’s set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. They had children … the semidioses.

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials.

The winner will carry light to all the temples of Reino del Sol. The loser is sacrificed to Sol. And their body is used to fuel the sunstones.

Teo is a Jade Semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal  – the goddess of birds.   As a Jade, he’s unlikely to be chosen.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses who isn’t a Gold. Teo must compete against semidióses who have spent their life training for the sunbearer trials.

The easy-to-read writing style and fast-pace make this an addictive read. The worldbuilding hooks you in but isn’t overwhelming.

If you’re looking for queer romantasy books you should read this. Especially if you enjoyed the Percy Jackson or Hunger Games books.

This post was all about the Best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books

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