It’s coming up to the end of Pride Month and I wanted to give a few LGBTQ+ book recommendations to carry you through the rest of the year, reading queer books is an all-year event and not just for Pride Month after all. Some of these are books I’ve personally read and enjoyed, and some are books I’ve heard of and are on my own TBR. I hope you enjoy!

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

• Published: May 3, 2022
• Pages: 354
• Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult

A month before graduation, Shara Wheeler kisses Chloe Green and vanishes. The girls have been academic rivals for four years, battling for Valedictorian ever since Chloe moved to Alabama. When Shara disappears, Chloe goes on a hunt for answers, enlisting the help of the only two others that Shara has kissed: Smith, Shara’s longtime quarterback sweetheart, and Rory, Shara’s bad boy neighbour. Together, they form an unlikely alliance to solve the mystery that is Shara Wheeler.

I read I Kissed Shara Wheeler a few years ago and loved it! – I rated it 5 stars. There were so many elements of this book that I enjoyed – the friendships, the mystery aspects, the romances, and so much more. This book is the perfect summer read and I would highly recommend it!

Like a Power Play by Elle Sprinkle

• Published: July 1, 2025
• Pages: 494 (Kindle Edition)
• Genre: Romance

Peyton Clarke is the new starting center for Greenrock University’s women’s hockey team, determined to earn her place despite her retired NHL father’s fame. Darcy Cole is the student assistant coach, recently having quit due to her rheumatoid arthritis making her unable to play the sport that she loves. Despite their initial differences in opinion, Peyton and Darcy soon begin to realise they might have more in common than they originally thought.

Like a Power Play has been on my TBR for a few months now, and I can’t wait to read it. I’ve said a few times on this blog that I’m a mood reader first and foremost – I’ve been on a fantasy run recently and haven’t gotten around to reading it, but the minute I start reading contemporary romance again this will be first on my list.

Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drews

• Published: October 29, 2024
• Pages: 336 (Kindle Edition)
• Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Young Adult

High school senior Andrew Perrault writes his twisted fairytales for Thomas Rye, the only person who can ground him to reality. But when Andrew needs him the most, Thomas suddenly starts acting strange. When Thomas’ abusive parents mysteriously vanish and he arrives to school with blood on his sleeve, Andrew starts to ask questions. However, Thomas only shuts him down, unwilling to discuss what seems to be haunting him. After following him into the woods one night, Andrew finds out that the creatures that Thomas draws – the ones from Andrew’s wicked stories – have come to life, killing anyone close to him. As the boys battle the monsters, Andrew fears that the only way to stop them might be to destroy the one who created them.

Don’t Let the Forest In is a book that I found only recently. Horror is a genre that I have previously avoided but I would like to branch out and try it, because of this book specifically. The premise is very enticing and I’ve seen lots of good reviews, so I’m very excited to read it.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

• Published: March 16, 2020
• Pages: 393 (Kindle Edition)
• Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
• Series: Cerulean Chronicles #1

Linus Baker leads a solitary life as a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, spending his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. Unexpectedly, Linus is given a highly classified assignment at Marsyas Island Orphanage, housing six dangerous children and their charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. There, Linus’ world is turned on its head and he must decide whether to believe what he’s always known to be true, or to follow his heart.

I read The House in the Cerulean Sea last year and I rated it 5 stars. This book was incredible, and I’m sure many people have heard of it; If you have yet to pick it up however, then I would highly recommend as it has the most beautiful found family and romance storylines.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

• Published: June 1, 2021
• Pages: 470
• Genre(s): Young Adult, Thriller

The students of Niveus Private Academy are nothing less than perfect. However, when an anonymous texter called “Aces” targets two of Niveus’ students, talented musician Devon and head girl Chiamaka, their secrets begin to come to light. “Aces” is out to get them and they’re clearly planning much more than just a ‘high-school game’.

This is a book that I’ve been meaning to read for years, and for some reason have never gotten around to. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Ace of Spades and it seems like such an interesting read.

Fake Shot by CE Ricci

• Published: April 4, 2026
• Pages: 496 (Kindle Edition)
• Genre: Romance
• Series: Leighton U #5

Logan has hated living with Camden for the last year – a hockey player, friend of his older brother’s, and ultimate playboy, Camden is Logan’s literal worst nightmare. But when Logan’s secrets catch up with him, and Camden just so happens to need a tutor, they agree to strike a deal – Camden will take up the position as Logan’s fake boyfriend in exchange for Logan helping him. Between study sessions and shared secrets, what starts out as fake quickly becomes more than either of them bargained for.

I read the Leighton U series back in March of this year, and adored them. I was eagerly awaiting this book when I finished book four, and I was not disappointed. The minute I read this book it became my favourite of the series, I absolutely loved Camden and Logan and I could not put this book down.

Stars Collide by Rachel Lacey

• Published: May 2, 2023
• Pages: 313 (Kindle Edition)
• Genre: Romance

Despite having a successful twenty year career under her belt, Eden Sands’ life is far from perfect. When her album flops and her upcoming tour has yet to sell out, her team decides a collaboration with Anna Moss – pop music’s rising star, and coincidentally one of Eden’s biggest fans – is just the ticket to give her a boost. Despite Eden’s initial reluctance, the pair quickly realise they have a lot more in common than simply their love of music; as their relationship grows from friendship to something more, Eden and Anna must decide if it’s worth risking everything they’ve built to pursue.

I read Stars Collide earlier this year as well, and really enjoyed it. The main characters were really well written and I loved the slow burn progression of their relationship. I think the compulsory-heterosexuality representation was really well done and would definitely recommend.

Mongrel by Hanako Footman

• Published: February 8, 2024
• Pages: 352
• Genre(s): Contemporary, Literary Fiction

Losing her mother at age six and yearning to fit into her suburban surrey life, Mei suppresses both her heritage and her growing love for her best friend. Yuki leaves the Japanese countryside for London to pursue her dream, but quickly finds herself caught in the charms of her older teacher in her loneliness. Haruka works as a hostess in seedy bars, navigating Tokyo’s nightlife and it’s various vices, alongside grieving a mother whose many secrets begin to come to light. Mongrel tells the story of these three intertwining narratives.

Mongrel is another recent find. Although I’ve read a few literary fiction novels, it’s a genre that I don’t naturally gravitate towards. However, this book sounds super interesting and I’m really looking forward to reading it.