Pride Month is always a great excuse to add more LGBTQ+ books to our TBRs, but this year’s selection offers far more than just romance. From queer historical fiction and literary debuts to pirates, tennis stars, artists and gothic mysteries, these releases showcase the breadth of LGBTQ+ storytelling today. Whether you’re looking for a buzzy debut, a long-overdue reissue or simply your next great read, these are the LGBTQ+ books that caught our attention.
A Slow and Secret Poison by Carmella Lowkis
Set in 1920s Wiltshire, A Slow and Secret Poison combines gothic mystery with a slow-burn sapphic romance. The story follows Vee Morgan, a gardener who becomes captivated by the enigmatic Lady Arabella while working on the grounds of a crumbling estate. Between whispered secrets, family curses and simmering attraction, the novel builds a moody atmosphere that fans of gothic fiction will likely appreciate. If the novel leaves you wanting to learn more about the era, Carmella Lowkis also wrote a fascinating guest post for us on uncovering queer history in the 1920s.
Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven
Jennifer Niven, best known for YA novels like All the Bright Places, makes her adult fiction debut with Meet the Newmans. Set in 1964, the novel follows America’s favourite TV family as the carefully constructed image of their sitcom life begins to crack behind the scenes. While the book explores fame, family dynamics and the pressure to appear perfect, it also quietly acknowledges that being queer in mid-century America was far from easy, adding another layer of tension beneath the glossy television façade.
Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter (Paperback release)
Some houses witness history. Nova Scotia House practically collects it. Spanning decades of queer life, love and friendship, Charlie Porter’s novel follows the people who pass through the rooms of a London townhouse, each leaving their mark behind. The structure is unconventional, gradually revealing the connections between its characters, but that’s part of the appeal. By the end, the house feels as alive as the people who lived there, making this a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys character-driven literary fiction.
Fruit Fly by Josh Silver
Josh Silver’s books have never been afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and Fruit Fly looks set to continue that trend. Blending sharp satire with uncomfortable questions about storytelling and exploitation, the novel follows a struggling writer who becomes fixated on turning someone else’s experiences into her next big project. Early comparisons to Yellowface feel inevitable, but Silver brings his own perspective to questions of authorship, privilege and who gets to control a narrative. This is probably one for readers who enjoy morally messy characters and books that are likely to leave book clubs arguing long after the final page.
The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan
Historical fantasy, queer romance and werewolves is already a strong combination, but The Red Winter also draws inspiration from the real-life legend of the Beast of Gévaudan. Set in 18th-century France, the story follows immortal monster hunter Sebastian Grave as he is forced back into a hunt that reconnects him with an estranged former lover and a past he would rather leave buried. Cameron Sullivan wrote a guest post on why fantasy has long been a natural home for queer stories, read here.
Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Known for her award-winning children’s and YA novels, Kiran Millwood Hargrave turns her attention to adult fiction with Almost Life. Set between London and Budapest, the novel follows two women whose lives become intertwined across decades, exploring love, memory and the ways a single relationship can shape an entire lifetime. Beautifully written and quietly ambitious, this feels like a natural next step for readers who have grown up alongside Hargrave’s work.
Pixie by Jill Dawson
Even if you don’t recognise the name Pamela “Pixie” Colman Smith, you’ve probably seen her work. Best known for illustrating the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, Pixie takes centre stage in Jill Dawson’s latest historical novel. Following her journey through London’s artistic circles and beyond, the novel explores creativity, ambition and the relationships that shaped her life. It also shines a light on a fascinating queer woman whose contribution to art and popular culture is often overlooked.
A Jingle-Jangle Song by Mariana Villa
Not every queer classic gets the recognition it deserves. First published in 1968 and long out of print, A Jingle-Jangle Song is finally being reissued for a new generation of readers. Set in London’s folk scene, the novel follows androgynous singer Sarah Kumar as her carefully constructed world begins to shift after meeting the captivating Mrs. Stankovich. Part romance, part time capsule, the book offers a glimpse into queer life just as attitudes and laws were beginning to change, making its return to bookshelves feel long overdue.
Some Men in London: Queer Life by Peter Parker
History books tend to focus on the famous names, but Some Men in London is interested in the people who slipped through the cracks. Drawing on real diaries, letters and personal records, the novel pieces together the lives of queer men living in London at a time when much of that history was hidden from public view. The amount of research behind the book is genuinely impressive, but it never feels academic. Instead, the result is surprisingly intimate, bringing forgotten voices back into the conversation one story at a time.
YA titles
Boy Friends by Kai Spellmeier
Relationships can be complicated enough without trying to figure out who you are at the same time. Boy Friends follows a group of queer young people navigating love, friendship and the uncertainty that comes with growing up. Kai Spellmeier captures both the excitement and awkwardness of those formative years, resulting in a story that feels heartfelt without being overly sentimental.
A Prince Among Pirates by Katie Abdou
Arranged marriages are one way to secure your future. Accidentally joining a pirate crew is another. In Katie Abdou’s debut, runaway nobleman Kit Davenport finds himself swapping court life for the high seas, where a charming pirate captain quickly complicates his plans. Full of adventure, found family and romantic tension, A Prince Among Pirates delivers exactly what the title promises, making it a fun pick for readers looking for a lighter fantasy romance.
The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens
F.T. Lukens has built a reputation for writing queer fantasy that never takes itself too seriously, and The Last Best Quest Ever looks set to continue that streak. The story follows Ellinore, a legendary quester whose impressive reputation is built on a rather inconvenient secret: she’s actually a fraud. When her twin brother’s life ends up on the line, she finds herself embarking on a real quest for the first time, joined by a rival royal, a bard and a ragtag crew of adventurers. Packed with mythical creatures, romance and plenty of humour, this sounds like a great pick for readers who prefer their fantasy cosy, chaotic and full of heart.
The Open Era by Edward Schmit
Tennis romances are definitely having a moment. The Open Era stands out by combining the sport with questions around visibility, pressure and identity. Edward Schmit’s debut follows Austin Hardy, the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament, as he finds himself navigating sudden media attention alongside an increasingly complicated connection with fellow player Diego Cruz. The rivals-to-lovers setup is undeniably appealing, but what makes the book especially interesting is how it also explores anxiety and the emotional weight of constantly being watched, both on and off the court.
