Queer Romance Novels We’re Adding To Our Reading Lists

Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, and the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. One powerful way to honour this is through stories—especially queer romance novels that bring these experiences to life. Whether you're part of the community or an ally, diving into these stories is a meaningful way to show support and appreciation this Pride month. And while pride month shines a special spotlight, this celebration of queer voices and experiences deserves to continue all year round...

Best Queer Romance Novels to Read This Pride Month 

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston has become known for creating memorable queer love stories, starting in 2019 with a tale of romance between a prince and the president’s son, Red, White & Royal Blue by McQuiston is a romantic comedy novel that tells the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. Initially, Alex and Henry have a tense relationship, but after a public argument at a royal wedding, they are compelled to pretend that they are friends to prevent a diplomatic scandal. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves from rivalry to genuine affection, leading to a secret romance. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and the challenges of public life, all set against the background of political and royal obligations. At the end, it’s a tale about two people finding their way in this world, amidst dealing with societal pressures, an experience that resonates with so many.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave. This young adult fantasy novel is about a transgender boy named Yadriel who wants to prove himself to his traditional Latinx family. In his community, only boys can become brujo, people who can summon spirits and help them pass on. But because he is trans, his family doesn’t fully accept his identity. To prove he’s a real brujo, Yadriel tries to summon a spirit—but accidentally calls Julian, the ghost of a rebellious boy from his school. As Yadriel helps Julian find out how he died, they grow close and start developing feelings for each other. It revolves around identity, family, love, and being seen for who you truly are. 

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

If you love the fake dating trope, this could be the ideal book for you. A funny and touching romance about Luc O'Donnell, the son of two rock stars, who has a bad reputation in the public eye. To clean up his image, he agrees to fake-date Oliver Blackwood, a proper and kind-hearted lawyer. Even though they are total opposites, they start spending more time together and slowly develop real feelings. As their fake relationship turns into something real, Luc must face his past and decide if he’s ready for love. It’s a sweet story about growth, friendship, and finding someone who loves you as you are.

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

What happens when a fiercely independent photographer living her best life in New York is pulled back to the small town she promised herself she’d never return to—only to catch unexpected feelings for her stepsister’s best friend? It is a slow-burn romance that gets to you when you least expect it. This heartfelt and charming queer love story follows Delilah, a successful photographer who’s traded her past for city life. But when her stepsister ropes her into photographing her wedding, Delilah reluctantly returns home. There, she crosses paths with Claire—a devoted single mom and bookstore owner—who also happens to be her stepsister’s close friend. What begins as a temporary trip quickly turns complicated, as sparks fly and Delilah starts questioning everything she thought she wanted. It’s a beautiful exploration of love and second chances.

One last stop by Casey McQuiston

Love a little sci-fi with your romance? Then this book is totally your vibe! This queer romantic novel follows August Landry, a cynical and lonely 23-year-old who moves to New York City hoping for a fresh start. She is someone who does not believe in the whole idea of falling in love. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Jane Su, a magnetic punk girl on the subway who turns out to be displaced in time from the 1970s and somehow stuck on the train line. As August and her group of eclectic roommates try to uncover the mystery behind Jane’s situation, August finds herself falling in love and slowly opening to friendship, love, and hope. The novel blends romance, humour, and a touch of sci-fi, while celebrating queer identity, found family, and the magic of unexpected connections.

Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman

Add this to your cart If plain text isn't your thing and graphic novels get you excited. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is a heartwarming queer graphic novel series that follows the tender and emotional journey of two British teens—Charlie Spring, a shy and openly gay boy, and Nick Nelson, a cheerful rugby player who begins to question his sexuality after growing close to Charlie. As their friendship blossoms into something more, the story is much about coming out, exploring your identity, mental health, and self-acceptance. With its gentle storytelling and inclusive characters, Heartstopper offers a touching and realistic portrayal of young LGBTQ+ love and the challenges and joys that come with it. 

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey

This one is for all the art lovers out there. Deanna Grey’s inspiration for this novel came from an anime, Bakuman (which is about young manga artists). Outdrawn is a queer female romance, the story follows Noah and Sage, two top-tier webcomic artists with a tense rivalry. When they're forced to co-create a reboot of a cult comic, there is a clash over control—but what gets even tougher is navigating their growing romantic tension. It’s a sweet, cosy story about love, self-expression, and finding connection through art. 

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

Grace Porter, a 28-year-old black girl who has just finished her PhD in astronomy, is expected to follow a traditional path in life. But after a wild night in Las Vegas, she impulsively marries a woman she barely knows. This unexpected choice makes Grace question who she really is and what she wants from life. The novel follows her journey of self-discovery, love, and learning to accept herself beyond what others expect. It’s an honest story about finding your own happiness in surprising ways. 

I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

Mason Deaver (They/Them), a non-binary author who loves baking and gardening, is the best-selling writer of their debut novel, I Wish You All the Best. Though the novel has its dark moments, at its core it’s a moving story of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Ben De Backer, the protagonist of the novel, comes out to their parents as non-binary, only to be rejected and kicked out of their home. Forced to move in with their older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas—whom Ben has never met—they struggle with anxiety and the pain of their parents' rejection. Ben opens only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist, trying to keep a low profile at their new school. But Ben’s hope for a quiet senior year is disrupted when Nathan Allan, a charming and witty classmate, shows interest in them. As their friendship grows, so do their feelings, turning what once felt like a nightmare into the possibility of a fresh, happier start. 

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

A retired orc barbarian opens a coffee shop? Sounds interesting right? Legends and Lattes is Baldree’s cosy fantasy debut novel. It is about an orc named Viv who decides to leave her life of fighting and adventuring behind to open a coffee shop in a quiet town—a place where no one has ever even heard of coffee. As she builds the café from the ground up, she makes new friends, faces unexpected challenges, and slowly finds a sense of peace and belonging. It’s a warm and gentle story about starting over, building community, and choosing a different path for yourself—even if it’s not what others expect. The book also includes a sweet, slow-burn queer romance.