Recently updated on November 29th, 2024 at 08:02 pm
Looking for your next great read in Queer romance? Dive into these 30 must-read books that feature everything from sweet high school crushes to epic historical romances, each one brimming with heartwarming and unforgettable love stories.
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If you’re on the hunt for some incredible LGBTQ+ romance books, you’ve come to the right place!
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book that features heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) queer love stories.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just diving into the genre, here are 30 LGBTQ+ romance books that are absolutely worth your time.
Searching for more queer book recs? You’re in luck. Check out my article on LGBTQ+ ya book recommendations here.
- The best LGBTQ+ Romance books
- 1. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
- 2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- 3. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
- 4. Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
- 5. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
- 6. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
- 7. Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
- 8. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
- 9. Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith
- 10. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
- 11. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- 12. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
- 13. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
- 14. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
- 15. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
- 16. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
- 17. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
- 18. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
- 19. The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian
- 20. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
- 21. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
- 22. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashely Herring Blake
- 23. Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
- 24. Out of the Blue by Jason June
- 25. So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
- 26. Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
- 27. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
- 28. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
- 29. Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
- 30. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
- Conclusion
- Other posts you might like
The best LGBTQ+ Romance books
1. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This is a classic! Simon is a high school student, he’s navigating his coming out journey while dealing with love, friendship, and a mysterious online crush.
A sweet, funny, and totally relatable read.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Set in ancient Greece, this retelling of the Iliad focuses on the romance between Achilles and Patroclus.
An epic and emotional journey. Miller’s lyrical prose and attention to historical detail create an immersive experience that brings the ancient world to life
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
3. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
This historical romance takes place in 1950s San Francisco. We follow a young Chinese-American girl as she discovers her sexuality and falls in love in a tumultuous time.
A powerful and poignant read that’ll leave you in tears.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |
4. Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Becky Albertalli strikes again with this story of Imogen, a high school senior who starts to question her own sexuality and falls for a girl who’s not her usual type.
A delightful exploration of identity and love.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
5. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
A Sapphic romance about a Bangladeshi teen, Nishat. She falls for her rival in a henna competition.
This vibrant, engaging story combines cultural heritage with a sweet romance.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
6. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
After finishing her PhD, Grace Porter finds herself adrift and on a wild escapade in Las Vegas, where she meets and marries a woman she just met.
Honey Girl combines humour with deep emotional insights, exploring themes of self-discovery and embracing happiness.
Buy on Amazon
7. Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
This book centers on the slow-burn romance between a Hollywood star and her assistant.
A fun, steamy read with great chemistry and an engaging plot. This story is both entertaining and heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the pressures of fame and the joys of falling in love.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
8. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
A fantastic time-travel romance. We follow a young woman, she meets her dream girl on the subway—only to discover she’s stuck in time.
One Last Stop is full of quirky humour, romance, and a touch of magic. The characters are endearing, and their journey through time adds a unique layer to their relationship.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
9. Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith
A contemporary YA about a trans boy trying to navigate high school while keeping his identity a secret.
He falls for a girl and she makes him question everything he thought he knew about himself. Both touching and uplifting.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |
10. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
A modern classic, this novel explores the passionate and intense summer romance between a teenage boy and an older student.
Aciman writes a lush, evocative, and deeply moving romance. The beautiful writing captures the beauty and complexity of first love.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
11. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
While not strictly a romance, this story weaves in a beautiful and tragic love affair spanning decades.
An engrossing read with a compelling, complex queer romance at its heart. The book offers a compelling look at love in the glamorous but challenging world of old Hollywood.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
12. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This book is pure joy! This is a charming romance between the First Son of the United States and a British prince.
A witty, romantic, and incredibly fun romance. A charming story of love overcoming obstacles and finding happiness against the odds.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
13. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
A fake-dating romance that’s hilarious and heartfelt. It’s about a man who needs to improve his public image and ends up in a fake relationship.
The dynamic between Luc and Oliver is both steamy and sweet, making it a standout in contemporary romance
Buy on: Amazon | Waterstones |
14. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
A graphic novel series that captures the sweet and tender romance between two high school boys.
A heartwarming, relatable, and beautifully illustrated ya romance.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
15. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
This story follows a trans teen navigating love, identity, and self-acceptance.
A powerful, uplifting read combining romance with important themes of self-discovery. Felix’s story is both poignant and inspiring, offering a powerful look at the struggles and triumphs of being true to yourself.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |
16. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A magical and heartwarming story about a caseworker who falls for the head of an orphanage for magical children.
This fantasy romance is whimsical, touching, and full of warm fuzzies.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
17. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
A supernatural romance about a trans boy who summons the spirit of his crush and has to deal with the ghosts of his past.
A unique and romantic book packed with cultural richness.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |
18. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
A beautifully written, genre-bending love story between two rival time-traveling agents.
It’s poetic, imaginative, and absolutely captivating.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |
19. The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian
A historical romance featuring a queer thief and a nobleman who become entangled in a plot full of intrigue and passion.
It’s delightful and engaging.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
20. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Set in a magical world of Edwardian England, this historical fantasy features a romance between two men. As they navigate a world of magic and mystery, their relationship develops.
A Marvellous Light is rich in world-building and has a slow-burn romance that’s truly enchanting.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
21. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
A charming and fun romance about an astrologer who falls for a woman who doesn’t believe in horoscopes.
Written in the Stars is witty, heartwarming, and a delightful read. Bellefleur’s writing captures the chemistry between the characters with humor and warmth
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
22. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashely Herring Blake
A sweet, romantic story about a woman returning to her hometown and reconnecting with an old crush.
Filled with humor, heart, and genuine emotion. The characters are well-developed, and their journey towards love and self-acceptance is both satisfying and heartfelt.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |
23. Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
A sports romance featuring two soccer players finding unexpected love. Steamy, engaging and full of athletic charm.
Wilsner’s storytelling brings the world of sports to life, blending romance with a competitive edge.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
24. Out of the Blue by Jason June
A magical, underwater romance about a mermaid prince who falls for a human boy.
It’s whimsical, romantic, and a perfect blend of fantasy and love.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
25. So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
A fantasy romance featuring a prince who’s trying to find his happily ever after while navigating love, politics, and magical mishaps.
It’s a fun and adventurous read with a charming romance.
Buy on Amazon
26. Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
A contemporary romance about a teenage girl who takes on the problems of others, only to find herself falling for a girl she’s trying to help.
It’s witty, heartwarming, and full of charm.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
27. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
A sweet romance about a reality TV show and the connection that sparks between the show’s star and his charming publicist.
It’s fun, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
28. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
A historical romance featuring two women in the 19th century who find love while working together on an astronomical project.
Charming and full of scientific wonder. Waite’s writing is both charming and thoughtful, blending romance with historical and scientific elements.
Buy on Amazon
29. Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
This contemporary romance follows the story of a contestant on a cooking show who finds love with a fellow competitor. The blend of culinary competition and romantic tension creates a deliciously engaging read.
Kelly’s novel is filled with humor, romance, and a touch of drama.
Buy on Amazon |
30. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
A charming and quirky story about a high school senior who sets out to uncover the mystery behind her classmate’s sudden disappearance.
As she navigates this quest, she also discovers unexpected feelings and romantic possibilities.
Buy on Amazon | Waterstones
Conclusion
These 30 LGBTQ+ romance books offer a diverse range of love stories and genres, perfect for anyone looking to explore beautiful, queer narratives.
Whether you’re into historical settings, fantasy worlds, or contemporary drama, there’s something here that will capture your heart. Happy reading!
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