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Must-Read LGBTQ Romance Books Youโ€™ll Fall in Love With ๐ŸŒˆ

Looking for your next favourite read? Youโ€™re in the right place. Weโ€™ve put together a handpicked list of LGBTQ romance books that are heartfelt, hilarious, emotional, and full of swoon-worthy moments. From fake dating shenanigans to soul-deep connections and coming-of-age magic, these stories celebrate queer love in all its beautiful forms. Whether youโ€™re here for the feels, the flirting, or the full-on emotional gut punches (we see you, Adam Silvera), this list has something for every mood.

So grab a cosy spot, maybe a blanket or a brew, and get ready to fall headfirst into some truly unforgettable love stories. ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ’–

Table of Contents

๐Ÿ’– Why Read LGBTQ Romance Books?

Because everyone deserves to see themselves in a love story. ๐ŸŒˆ

LGBTQ romance books offer more than just butterflies and banter, they bring queer joy, messy first crushes, tender moments of self-discovery, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. These stories celebrate love in all its forms, with characters who are beautifully complex, gloriously imperfect, and unapologetically themselves.

Whether youโ€™re looking for a swoony fake-dating setup, a slow-burn sapphic romance, or a heartfelt coming-of-age story, LGBTQ romance books deliver all the feels – with that extra layer of honesty and depth that makes them unforgettable.

These arenโ€™t just love stories.
Theyโ€™re powerful, personal stories that matter. ๐Ÿ’˜

๐Ÿ“š Ready to Fall in Love? Hereโ€™s Your LGBTQ Romance Book List

Whether youโ€™re in the mood for a heart-fluttering rom-com, a quiet story of self-discovery, or an epic first love that lingers long after the last page then youโ€™re in the right place.

This list of LGBTQ romance books is packed with stories full of chemistry, charm, and unforgettable characters. Youโ€™ll find sweet YA gems, angsty slow burns, sapphic fake dating, queer joy, and everything in between.

To make things easier, weโ€™ve split the list into helpful sections – so you can jump straight to the kind of story you’re craving, whether itโ€™s contemporary, fantasy, or something totally swoon-worthy.

๐Ÿ’ซ So grab a blanket, make a cuppa, and letโ€™s dive in…


๐Ÿ’˜ Fake Dating, Real Feelings

Sometimes love starts with a little white lie. Whether itโ€™s a carefully planned fake relationship or a pretend romance that spirals out of control, these stories explore how pretending can lead to real feelings. Expect plenty of swoons, awkward moments, and that delicious tension when opposites attract.

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŒŒ Written in the Stars โ€“ Alexandria Bellefleur

Trope check: Grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, opposites attract, holiday romance

Elle is a dreamy astrologer with stars in her eyes. Darcy is a buttoned-up actuary with zero time for nonsense – or romance. After a hilariously bad blind date, they agree to fake a relationship to appease their meddling families until New Yearโ€™s Eve. But somewhere between awkward holiday parties and unexpected moments of tenderness, their fake feelings start to feel a little too real.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Adult Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Cosy, witty, and sparkling with rom-com charm
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Perfect for fans of Pride & Prejudice with a queer twist and a whole lot of heart
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Flirty, warm, with some steamy heat

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‘‘ Red, White & Royal Blue โ€“ Casey McQuiston

Trope check: Enemies to lovers, political romance, royal romance, queer joy

When Americaโ€™s First Son and a British prince start off as rivals, their public feud quickly turns into a secret romance that could change everything. Full of sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and swoony royal drama, this story is a sparkling celebration of love, identity, and daring to be yourself – all wrapped up in a dazzling, laugh-out-loud package.

๐ŸŽ‰ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Energetic, romantic, hilarious, and heartwarming
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Witty banter, political intrigue, and unforgettable chemistry
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – steamy and sweet in all the right ways

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’• Hani and Ishuโ€™s Guide to Fake Dating โ€“ Adiba Jaigirdar

Trope check: Fake dating, bisexual & queer rep, friends to lovers, cultural clash

Haniโ€™s out and proud – but her friends arenโ€™t buying her bisexuality because sheโ€™s only dated guys. To save face, she claims sheโ€™s dating Ishu, her total opposite: a serious, high-achieving girl aiming to be head girl. They team up – fake dating for popularity and political points – but sparks quickly fly for real.

Itโ€™s a story about friendship, identity, and fighting for love despite all the drama (and haters) trying to stand in their way.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Contemporary YA, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Witty, warm, culturally rich, and full of heart
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Realistic bisexual rep, clever banter, and sweet romance
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – mostly tender moments

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿณ Love and Other Disasters โ€“ Anita Kelly

Trope check: Reality show romance, second chances, slow burn, queer love

Recently divorced and on the edge of a fresh start (and bankruptcy), Dahlia Woodson enters the high-stakes cooking competition Chefโ€™s Special. Things get messy fast, especially when she literally falls flat on her face. But then thereโ€™s London Parker, whoโ€™s dealing with their own challenges and pronouns announced on national TV. Sparks fly between these two imperfect competitors in a slow-burn romance full of laughter, heart, and plenty of delicious tension.

๐ŸŽฅ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Warm, witty, messy, and tender
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Realistic characters, fresh take on queer love, and heartfelt slow burn
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild to moderate – simmering chemistry

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŽฌ The Charm Offensive โ€“ Alison Cochrun

Trope check: Reality TV romance, opposites attract, emotional growth, Bollywood vibes

When cynical TV producer Dev falls for charming reality star Charlie, sparks fly both on and off camera. This oneโ€™s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and swoony, with a heavy dose of queer joy and some seriously binge-worthy drama. If you love feel-good romance with plenty of laughs and big emotional payoffs, this is your next must-read.

๐Ÿ“บ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romantic Comedy
โœจ Vibe: Warm, funny, heartfelt, and utterly charming
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Gorgeous rep, sparkling dialogue, and a love story thatโ€™s as real as reality TV drama
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – steamy moments balanced with sweetness

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ”ฌ The Love Hypothesis โ€“ Ali Hazelwood

Trope check: Fake relationship, workplace romance, STEM vibes, slow burn

What happens when a PhD student convinces a grumpy professor to pretend-date her to convince her friends sheโ€™s over a breakup? Sparks fly in labs and lecture halls, with lots of nerdy banter, awkward moments, and unexpected feelings. If you love smart, sassy, and steamy queer-adjacent romance, this oneโ€™s a total win.

๐Ÿงช Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+ Adjacent, STEM
โœจ Vibe: Witty, flirty, heartfelt, and clever
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Science meets swoon, smart characters, and slow-burn tension
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – sweet and steamy

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŽฉ Boyfriend Material โ€“ Alexis Hall

Trope check: Fake relationship, opposites attract, messy family, queer comedy

Luc follows the โ€œgood sonโ€ rules like a pro – until his family drama lands him in a fake relationship with Oliver, a charming and chaotic lawyer. What starts as a perfectly planned facade quickly unravels into messy, hilarious, and heartfelt moments. Full of sharp wit, banter, and a slow-burn romance, this oneโ€™s a total delight.

๐ŸŽญ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Funny, charming, chaotic, and heartwarming
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Brilliant humour, lovable characters, and a feel-good queer love story
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – sweet, steamy, and a little cheeky

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’Œ When Katie Met Cassidy โ€“ Camille Perri

Trope check: Opposites attract, coming of age, queer awakening, romantic comedy

Katie, a traditional Kentucky transplant fresh off a breakup, meets Cassidy – a confident, sharp New Yorker who challenges everything Katie thought she knew about love and identity. As their undeniable connection grows, Katie is pulled into a vibrant, wild community where friendships run deep and self-discovery is a must. This rom-com is about figuring out who you really are – and going after what you want, no matter the rules.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Quirky, heartfelt, funny, and eye-opening
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Honest exploration of identity, strong queer community, and swoony moments
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – emotional and sweet with some heat

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’Œ Meet Cute Diary โ€“ Emery Lee

Trope check: Fake dating, trans romance, friends to lovers, coming out

Noahโ€™s blog is packed with trans happily ever afters – except none of them are real. When a troll threatens to expose the truth, Noah teams up with Drew for a fake relationship to save the Diary. But as pretend romance turns genuine, Noah learns love doesnโ€™t always follow the script – and sometimes, the best endings are the ones you never expected.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Sweet, funny, tender, and refreshingly real
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Trans representation, heartfelt growth, and charming fake-dating fun
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – warm and swoony


๐ŸŒŒ Fate, Death & the Universe

What if you only had one day left? Or what if the universe kept nudging you together? These emotionally powerful stories dive into the fragility of life, the urgency of connection, and the beautiful mess of love when time is short or fate intervenes.

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŒŒ Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe โ€“ Benjamin Alire Sรกenz

Trope check: Slow-burn friendship to first love, coming of age, emotional discovery

Meet Aristotle: angry, guarded, with a heavy family secret. Dante: bright, curious, and full of heart. Theyโ€™re total opposites who meet at a swimming pool and slowly build a friendship that changes everything. Together, they explore family, identity, and what it means to love – even when the world feels like itโ€™s against you.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: YA Contemporary, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Lyrical, tender, soulful, and deeply moving
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Beautifully written, powerful themes, unforgettable characters
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Sweet – emotional connection over steamy scenes

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’Œ Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda โ€“ Becky Albertalli

Trope check: Coming out, secret crush, teen romance, email pen pals

Simonโ€™s got a secret – heโ€™s not out yet, and when his private emails fall into the wrong hands, his world is about to get a whole lot more complicated. Funny, heartfelt, and full of awkward charm, this is a coming-of-age story about stepping out of your comfort zone, finding yourself, and maybe falling for someone unexpected.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Contemporary YA, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Lighthearted, witty, relatable, and sweet
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Realistic teen emotions, clever humour, and a feel-good romance
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – adorable and swoony

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿฏ Honey Girl โ€“ Morgan Rogers

Trope check: New adulthood, slow burn, accidental marriage, queer self-discovery

Grace just got her PhD and accidentally married a stranger in Vegas. Cue a summer of self-exploration, awkward family dynamics, and finding out what love really means – on her own terms. If youโ€™re into smart, thoughtful queer romances with a splash of humour and heart, Honey Girl is your sweet, slow-burn vibe.

๐ŸŽ“ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, New Adult
โœจ Vibe: Warm, witty, introspective, and tender
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Beautifully honest about identity and growth, with laugh-out-loud moments
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – more emotional warmth than physical heat

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ‘ Call Me By Your Name โ€“ Andrรฉ Aciman

Trope check: Summer romance, coming of age, slow burn, first love

Set in the sun-soaked Italian Riviera, this tender story captures the intoxicating, bittersweet feeling of first love between Elio and Oliver. Lush, lyrical prose paints every stolen glance and secret moment, exploring desire, longing, and the ache of a love that lingers long after summer ends.

โ˜€๏ธ Genre: Literary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Poetic, wistful, sensual, and deeply emotional
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Gorgeous writing, unforgettable characters, and aching nostalgia
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – sensual and intimate

LGBTQ Romance Books

โณ They Both Die at the End โ€“ Adam Silvera

Trope check: LGBTQ+ friendship and romance, fate, emotional journey

On the day they know theyโ€™ll die, Mateo and Rufus connect through an app called Last Friend and decide to live a lifetime in a single day. This deeply moving story explores friendship, love, and what it really means to live fully when time is short – with heart, humour, and unforgettable moments.

๐Ÿ’” Genre: Contemporary YA, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Bittersweet, uplifting, emotional, and thought-provoking
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Beautifully raw, honest portrayal of life and loveโ€™s fragility
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – emotional connection over physical

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’Œ What If Itโ€™s Us โ€“ Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

Trope check: Meet-cute, second chances, NYC summer romance, queer & bi rep

Arthurโ€™s in New York for the summer, hoping for a Broadway-worthy romance. Benโ€™s just trying to move on from his ex – until they literally bump into each other at the post office. Sparks fly, then they get separatedโ€ฆ and reunited. But can they nail a first date after three tries? Maybe life isnโ€™t a perfect Broadway show – but what if it is?

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Contemporary YA, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Playful, hopeful, heartwarming, and full of NYC charm
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Smart, funny, heartfelt, and packed with authentic queer voices
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – sweet and tender


๐Ÿ’ซ Coming Out & Coming of Age

Finding your identity and your place in the world can be complicated, especially when youโ€™re falling in love for the first time. These heartfelt tales explore the challenges, joys, and sometimes the heartbreak of coming out, growing up, and learning to be true to yourself.

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŒบ The Henna Wars โ€“ Adiba Jaigirdar

Trope check: Rivals to lovers, coming out, family vs self, queer YA romance

Nishat and Flรกvia are fierce school rivals – but beneath the competition, Nishatโ€™s heart has a secret crush. Her parents donโ€™t approve of girls who like girls, and Nishatโ€™s caught between staying true to herself and keeping her familyโ€™s love. When Flรกvia steps into her life, everything gets tangled up in rivalry, attraction, and the fight for who Nishat really is.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: YA Contemporary, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Warm, heartfelt, with sharp humour and emotional depth
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: A beautiful, authentic story about identity, love, and courage
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Sweet with all the feels

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ“š Autoboyography โ€“ Christina Lauren

Trope check: Small town, secret romance, coming-of-age, bisexual love

When Tanner starts a creative writing class at his Utah high school, he didnโ€™t expect to fall hard for Sebastian – the perfect golden boy with secrets of his own. This sweet and swoony story explores identity, first love, and the courage it takes to be yourself, wrapped in that Christina Lauren signature warmth.

โœ๏ธ Genre: YA, LGBTQ+, Contemporary Romance
โœจ Vibe: Tender, hopeful, uplifting, and genuine
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Bi rep done right, heartfelt characters, and all the feels
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – sweet and clean with lots of heart

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŒˆ Felix Ever After โ€“ Kacen Callender

Trope check: Coming-of-age, identity journey, friends to lovers, self-discovery

Felix is a Black, queer, transgender teen navigating high school, art, and heartbreak – all while trying to figure out who he truly is. With sharp wit, emotional depth, and messy, beautiful moments, this story celebrates finding love and yourself, even when the world feels like itโ€™s pushing back. Perfect for readers craving a powerful, heartfelt queer YA romance.

๐ŸŽจ Genre: YA, LGBTQ+, Contemporary
โœจ Vibe: Honest, heartfelt, raw, and hopeful
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Authentic trans representation, beautifully written, and deeply relatable
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – focuses on emotional connection over physical romance

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’• I Canโ€™t Think Straight โ€“ Shamim Sarif

Trope check: Forbidden love, cultural clash, slow burn, lesbian romance

When Tala and Leylaโ€™s worlds collide, sparks fly, but so do clashes of culture, family expectations, and secrets. This tender story explores the beauty and struggle of finding love where it feels impossible, wrapped in heartfelt emotions and rich cultural depth. Perfect if you love romances that make you feel and think.

๐ŸŒ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Emotional, passionate, thoughtful, and uplifting
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Beautiful representation, slow-burn romance, and real emotional stakes
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – more emotional heat than physical

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ’– Heartstopper โ€“ Alice Oseman

Trope check: Friends to lovers, coming of age, school life, queer romance

Follow Charlie and Nick as their friendship slowly blossoms into something more in this tender and beautifully illustrated graphic novel series. Sweet, heartfelt, and full of awkward, adorable moments, Heartstopper perfectly captures the excitement and confusion of first love – with lots of laughter, warmth, and genuine emotion.

๐Ÿ“š Genre: YA Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Cosy, uplifting, sincere, and cute as heck
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Relatable characters, gentle pacing, and a love story that feels real
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Very mild – pure sweetness

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ“š Annie on My Mind โ€“ Nancy Garden

Trope check: Secret romance, coming out, school drama, classic queer love story

Liza and Annie meet by chance and fall in love – but the world isnโ€™t ready. When their relationship is discovered, the fallout is immediate and intense. But through the struggle, they learn that love, in its truest form, is always worth fighting for. A timeless, groundbreaking story that still resonates today.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: YA Contemporary, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Quietly powerful, sincere, emotionally resonant
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: One of the first lesbian YA novels – tender, honest, and important
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Sweet and subtle


๐Ÿ’™ Opposites Attract

When two people from totally different worlds collide, sparks are inevitable. Whether itโ€™s the grumpy meets sunshine trope or the logical meets chaotic pairing, these stories celebrate how love can bridge the biggest gaps – and why opposites really do attract.

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŽฉ The Queer Principles of Kit Webb โ€“ Cat Sebastian

Trope check: Historical romance, grumpy/sunshine, secret identities, friends to lovers

Kit Webb is a notorious highwayman with a soft spot for his companions and a secret that could change everything. When he meets Gabriel, a sharp-witted bookseller, sparks fly amidst horse chases, stolen kisses, and witty banter. If you love your queer romance with a dash of Regency charm and a hearty helping of sass, this oneโ€™s a treasure.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Genre: Historical Romance, LGBTQ+, Regency
โœจ Vibe: Playful, witty, tender, and adventurous
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Delightful characters, clever dialogue, and a story full of heart
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild to moderate – sweet with simmering tension

LGBTQ Romance Books

โœˆ๏ธ Less โ€“ Andrew Sean Greer

Trope check: Travel adventure, self-discovery, romantic mishaps, witty humour

Arthur Less is a failed novelist on the brink of turning 50, embarking on a globe-trotting journey to avoid an exโ€™s wedding, and maybe find himself along the way. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, tender reflections, and queer charm, this Pulitzer-winning novel is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.

๐ŸŒ Genre: Literary Fiction, LGBTQ+, Comedy
โœจ Vibe: Witty, bittersweet, heartwarming, and adventurous
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Brilliant humour, sharp insight, and a story about love in all its forms
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – more about feelings than flames

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿš‡ One Last Stop โ€“ Casey McQuiston

Trope check: Time travel, enemies-to-lovers, found family, queer magic

Janeโ€™s just moved to NYC, trying to keep life simple – until she meets August, a mysterious woman stuck on a subway car from the 1970s. A quirky, heartfelt ride full of witty banter, swoony moments, and a beautiful celebration of queer love and chosen family. Perfect for fans of magical realism with a big city glow.

๐Ÿ—ฝ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Magical Realism
โœจ Vibe: Fun, quirky, romantic, and heartwarming
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Unique time-travel twist, brilliant chemistry, and a love story that stays with you
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – sweet with steamy moments

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ‘‘ How To Find A Princess โ€“ Alyssa Cole

Trope check: Modern fairy tale, enemies to lovers, queer romance, friendship goals

When a sharp-witted PR executive gets roped into helping a high-profile singer find a fake girlfriend, sparks fly in the most unexpected way. With witty banter, heartfelt moments, and plenty of charm, this story flips the royal romance trope with a fresh, queer twist.

๐ŸŽค Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romantic Comedy
โœจ Vibe: Playful, sweet, sassy, and full of heart
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Diverse representation, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and a swoon-worthy romance
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – steamy but sweet

LGBTQ Romance Books

โ˜• Iโ€™m So (Not) Over You โ€“ Kosoko Jackson

Trope check: Fake relationship, exes to lovers, romantic comedy, family drama

Kianโ€™s been ghosted by his ex, Hudson, until a surprise text pulls him back into a complicated favour: pretend to be Hudsonโ€™s boyfriend while his parents are in town. What could go wrong? Well, suddenly Kian is Hudsonโ€™s plus one to the wedding of the season – where secrets, awkward moments, and old feelings bubble to the surface. This swoony rom-com is packed with laughs, heartfelt moments, and the messy magic of second chances.

๐ŸŽ‰ Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Lighthearted, funny, warm, and swoony
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Charming fake relationship, great chemistry, and feel-good moments
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild to moderate – sweet and spicy in all the right ways


๐Ÿง™ Queer Magic & Supernatural Feels

Love and magic arenโ€™t so different – both can surprise you, transform you, and make the impossible feel real. These books blend queer romance with elements of the supernatural, speculative fiction, or fantasy, adding an extra layer of wonder to the journey of love.

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ‘ป Cemetery Boys โ€“ Aiden Thomas

Trope check: Paranormal, coming-of-age, found family, queer magic

Yadriel just wants to prove himself a real brujo to his traditional Latinx family, but when he accidentally summons a ghost who refuses to leave, things get delightfully chaotic. Packed with humour, heart, and a dash of spooky magic, this is a charming queer YA story about identity, love, and belonging.

๐ŸŒ™ Genre: YA, LGBTQ+, Paranormal
โœจ Vibe: Playful, warm, emotional, and magical
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Rich cultural rep, queer joy, and a story that feels like a big, comforting hug
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Mild – more soul than spice

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™€๏ธ Fingersmith โ€“ Sarah Waters

Trope check: Historical crime, enemies to lovers, twists and betrayals, queer thriller

Set in Victorian England, Fingersmith is a dark, twisty tale of deception, secrets, and forbidden love. Sue, a pickpocket, and Maud, a wealthy heiress, get caught in a web of schemes that will keep you guessing, and rooting for love to break through all the lies. Perfect if you love your LGBTQ romance with a side of mystery and edge.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Genre: Historical Fiction, Queer Romance, Thriller
โšก Vibe: Gritty, suspenseful, steamy, and utterly addictive
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Complex characters, mind-blowing plot twists, and lush period detail
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Moderate – slow burn with plenty of tension

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŒŠ The Song of Achilles โ€“ Madeline Miller

Trope check: Greek myth retelling, slow-burn romance, doomed love, friends-to-lovers

Achilles is destined for glory. Patroclus, an awkward prince in exile. From childhood friendship to the battlefield of Troy, their bond becomes something deeper – tender, powerful, and impossible to ignore. But war has a way of testing love, and legends are not always kind to lovers.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Historical Fantasy / Mythology, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Lyrical, tragic, and deeply romantic
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: A heart-wrenching tale of love, fate, and the cost of greatness
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Gentle, sensual, achingly intimate

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐Ÿ”ฅ We Set the Dark on Fire โ€“ Tehlor Kay Mejia

Trope check: Political intrigue, forbidden love, slow-burn sapphic romance, rebellion

Dani is trained to be a perfect wife in a divided society – but sheโ€™s hiding a dangerous secret. When revolution brews and she falls for her rival, Carmen, Dani must choose between comfort and resistance, love and survival.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: YA Fantasy / Dystopian, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Intense, romantic, revolutionary
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: A sharp, empowering fantasy with a fierce queer love story at its heart
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Swoony and tense, with passionate undercurrents

LGBTQ Romance Books

๐ŸŽฉ The Gentlemanโ€™s Guide to Vice and Virtue โ€“ Mackenzi Lee

Trope check: Historical road trip, best-friends-to-lovers, bi chaos, adventure + romance

Monty has a crush on his best friend Percy, a flair for trouble, and a Grand Tour of Europe that quickly goes off the rails. From pirates to alchemy to flirtations and fisticuffs, this is a romp full of heart, hijinks, and a beautiful bi boy learning what love really means.

๐ŸŒˆ Genre: Historical Adventure, LGBTQ+
โœจ Vibe: Witty, fast-paced, swoony, and charming
๐Ÿ’ฌ Why read it: Queer joy, high-stakes escapades, and a delightful love story
๐Ÿ”ฅ Spice level: Flirty, sweet, with a touch of steam


Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ Romance Books

Still curious about LGBTQ romance books? Youโ€™re not alone! Whether youโ€™re new to the genre or just looking to dive deeper, weโ€™ve rounded up some of the most common questions readers have – and answered them with warmth, clarity, and zero gatekeeping. From where to start to what to expect, weโ€™ve got you covered.

What are some must-read LGBTQ romance books?

There are so many incredible LGBTQ romance books out there – from sweet YA stories like Heartstopper and Hani and Ishuโ€™s Guide to Fake Dating, to spicy adult reads like Red, White & Royal Blue and Written in the Stars. Whether you’re after angst, fluff, or full-on swoon, there’s something for every reader.

Are LGBTQ romance books just for LGBTQ readers?

Not at all! While LGBTQ readers may see parts of their own lives reflected in these stories, anyone can enjoy them. These books explore universal themes like love, identity, friendship, and family – with the added bonus of bringing fresh perspectives and much-needed representation.

Whatโ€™s the difference between LGBTQ romance and queer fiction?

Great question! LGBTQ romance puts the romance front and center – itโ€™s the heartbeat of the story. Queer fiction, on the other hand, might focus more on identity, coming-of-age journeys, or community, with romance as a subplot (or sometimes not at all). Both are brilliant – it just depends what youโ€™re in the mood for.

Are there LGBTQ romance books with happy endings?

Yes! So many queer love stories now embrace joy, healing, and happily ever afters. While tough topics still show up, the tide has turned – readers can now find tons of LGBTQ romances that are full of hope, laughter, and heartwarming endings that leave you smiling.

Where can I start if Iโ€™m new to LGBTQ romance books?

Start with a vibe you already love! Like rom-coms? Try Boyfriend Material or You Should See Me in a Crown. Prefer fantasy with a love story twist? Go for Cemetery Boys. Youโ€™ll also find recommendations grouped by genre and trope in our list to help you choose your perfect next read.

๐ŸŒˆ Ready to Dive Into More LGBTQ Stories?

Whether youโ€™re looking for heart-fluttering first loves, fierce friendships, or stories that celebrate every shade of identity, LGBTQ romance books open up a world of connection, joy, and discovery. We hope this list inspires your next great read and helps you find stories that speak to your heart.

Donโ€™t forget to check out the rest of our LGBTQ collection for even more incredible voices and unforgettable love stories.

Happy reading – love is always worth the journey!

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