Nothing beats escaping into a good fantasy romance. These 17 LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books will transport you to another world.
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Best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance Books
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 LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books I REALLY recommend.
1. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Song of Achilles is always recommended. It's one of those books.
Chances are, if you go on BookTok then someone will mention this book. Over 700,000 readers have reviewed it on Good Reads. But it's still rated 4.4 stars. So I couldn't write a post on LGBTQ+ fantasy romance books without it.
But I wasn't personally a fan. Please don't hate me!
You must be wondering - how can I dislike such a popular book. But the pace drags in the middle.
Song of Achilles is a Greek Mythology retelling. It focuses on the heart-breaking romance between Achilles and Patroclus. Likewise, the ending will devastate you.
The book follows 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 LGBTQ+ 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
A Marvellous Light has many features I love in a book. An LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance with magic, a mystery to solve and a secret magical society.
And as if that's not enough, it also has serious dark academia vibes.
It follows Robin Blyth. An administrative error names him liaison to a secret magical society. He must with 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.
I love the secret society of magicians. Likewise, the Edwardian setting and mlm romance set it apart from other books with secret magical societies.
If you like historical fiction or dark academia then you need to read this one. Reading books with gay men in an Edwardian setting is marvellous.
A great choice if you're after the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books. It features magic, smart characters and an academic setting.
3. Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh
Looking for the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books? Then you need to read Silver in the Wood, a fantasy book set in a magical forest.
Silver in the Woods has an adorable mlm romance. The cutest grumpy/sunshine romance.
And on top of that, it references mythological creatures such as dryads and faeries.
It follows Tobias, a forest guardian who looks after the forest. One day Henry Silver moves into Greenhollow Hall. And everything changes.
Silver starts to dig up old secrets. Secrets best left forgotten.
Oh and the mlm romance is adorable.
If you like the cottagecore aesthetic then you'll enjoy this book. The forest imagery is whimsical and enchanting. And makes you want to live in a cottage in the woods
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
You NEED to read The Lightning Struck Heart. It features a gay unicorn named Gary. And the main character is hilarious.
It follows Sam. One day, in an alleyway in the slums if a city, he turns a group of teenagers into stone completely by accident.
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. Sam is friends with a gay unicorn called Gary and a half giant. As if that's not enough, chaotic Sam tends to blurt out things randomly. Making many funny moments.
From the beginning, this book is openly and unashamedly LGBTQ+.
From gay unicorns to jokes about twinks.
If you're a fan of a sarcastic, dry humour then you will love this book. The perfect low stakes fantasy.
One of the best LGBTQ+ fantasy romance books. You need to pick it up.
5. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
A Dark and Hollow Star is one of the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance books to read! If you’re a fan of Crescent City you definitely need to read a Dark and Hollow Star.
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.
I listened to the audiobook version. It features a full cast of narrators. The voices of Vehan and Nausicaä are spot on!
And the best part is you can listen to it on Audible with a free trial.
A great audiobook to put on if you're looking for some escapism while you're cleaning or relaxing before bedtime.
Whether you're after an audiobook or the physical book, this is one of the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books.
6. These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
I was sold on this book as soon as I heard Sapphic witches!
These Witches Don't Burn is an urban fantasy set in Salem. It has witches, a compelling mystery and a cute wlw romance.
These Witches Don’t Burn follows Hannah. She is 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.
We seriously don't have enough ya fantasy duologies. But this is one of the best. Easy to binge read and finish.
Don't get me wrong - it's not hard hitting.
But I'm a simple girl and sometimes I want a warm, cozy read.
The LGBTQ+ characters are so well incorporated that they 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
A Cinderella retelling with a sapphic romance. This is another twist on the classic story that features BIPOC characters and a wlw romance.
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 decided to take down the king once and for all.
The dystopian twist on the classic Cinderella story makes this book unique. The romance is a bit insta-lovey. But it's well developed.
The plot will keep you hooked throughout. Women overthrowing a dystopian patriarchy.
Kalynn Bayron writes woodland and cottagecore imagery beautifully. This book will 100% make you want to live in the forest.
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.
If you're looking for lesbian fantasy books, I have tons of recommendations. Check out my article on lesbian fantasy books here.
8. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
When it comes to YA Fantasy, you should definitely read Girls of Paper and Fire. A dark ya fantasy featuring magic and a dystopian society. And Asian mythology is woven seamlessly throughout. It includes a wlw romance.
Girls of Paper and Fire follows Lei. She is 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.
The worldbuilding in this book is seriously beautiful. Natasha Ngan was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Malaysia - 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 it was 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. If you're looking for lesbian fantasy books then this is definitely worth reading.
9. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska
The Dark Tide is a seriously underrated book. It features a wlw romance, witches and a curse on a town.
It follows Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. So, 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 hooked me in straight away. A girl goes to save a guy but instead falls for the 'villain'. 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 bur romance. And Lina and Eva had an amazing grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The cursed romance setup was well executed and made the book tragically romantic.
The worldbuilding is also dark, moody and atmospheric. A sea wild tale. it was beautifully written and I fell in love with the world. Full of bitter witches, sea, salt, blood and sacrifice
10. Crier’s War by Nina Varela
Crier’s War is an epic urban fantasy novel with a f/f romance.
Set in the Kingdom of Rabu, it and follows Ayla. 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 Ayl
One of the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books. You need to read this page-turner.
11. Malice by Heather Walter
Let me tell you - Malice is one of the best books I have read this year. It was an instant 5 stars from me.
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.
Malice is a Maleficent retelling. The book is set in a Kingdom called Briar.
Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.
The book follows Alyce – the dark grace.
She was left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. 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 almost a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae.
The world building is darkly magical. And the residents of Briar reminded me of the residents of the Capitol. I LOVED the depiction of the Imps and goblins in Misrule. Plus both books reference fae. A must-read for anyone after the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books.
12. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
We Set the Cark on Fire has one of the most captivating wlw enemies to lovers romances. This Ya dystopian urban fantasy novel features a wlw romance and Latine representation.
We Set The Dark On Fire follows 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, the 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
Want a dystopian book about magic?
You need to read Spellhacker. With diverse characters, a high stakes heist and witty banter - this ya fantasy is a compelling read. Plus the non-binary and chronic illness representation is fantastic.
In this world magic is a commodity. And we follow a group of friends running an illegal business siphoning it.
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 abang. And the opening hooks you in instantly. And it's fast-paced throughout. A quick read you could binge read pretty quickly.
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
TJ Klune writes mlm fantasy books incredibly well. They are always feel good fantasy books set in a progressive world. And the romance is always incredibly well developed.
Umder the Whispering door is no exception. It follows Wallace Price. A reaper comes to collect him from his own 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.
This book is perfect for someone new to the fantasy genre. The writing is easy-to-read and while it includes fantasy elements, this book reads as more of a YA Contemporary.
This book deals with so many 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 mlm 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
This is another book that wasn't for me. But it's such a popular fantasy book. So no surprise, it was constantly recommended for LGBTQ+ Fantasy books for adults.
It features a captive princess, forbidden magic and a sapphic love story.
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
This post was all about the Best LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance books
