by Iris
It’s June, which means it’s Pride Month. What better time to explore some of our finest LGBTQIA+ reading recommendations? We have compiled a list of exciting reads from as many sections as possible (without, you know, overwhelming you too much), with a focus on new releases. Strap in, because it’s quite the line-up!
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins-Reid
Set during the 1980s Space Shuttle era, this story focuses on one of the first women slated to actually go into space. Pressure is already high, but then she finds herself falling for one of the other – female – astronauts in training…
These Fragile Graces, This Fugitive Heart by Izzy Wasserstein
Dora might very well be the only person who can solve the murder of her ex-girlfriend, but that would mean returning to a community where she is no longer welcome. This near-future, dystopian technothriller from the Science Fiction section is short, gritty, and very queer.
A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell
In this charming historical romance novel, an aspiring archaeologist and her childhood nemesis team up to locate a hidden hoard of Viking gold. But when sparks start to fly, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep hating each other.
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee
How cute does a queer, multidimensional coffeeshop meet cute sound? We hope your answer is ‘very,’ because that’s the premise of this upcoming fantasy YA title! But don’t get fooled into thinking this is cozy all the way, because there’s definitely room for some deeper topics as well. Oh, and there’s dragons.
Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite
This delightful cozy mystery from the Science Fiction section is set aboard a luxurious interstellar passenger liner, where detective Dorothy Gentleman is on the case to solve a murder. Dorothy (no-nonsense, likes knitting) will immediately become your favourite lesbian auntie!
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
The mysterious force of energy known as Chuck Tingle explores the role of queer representation in horror media. A scriptwriter is pushed to kill off a gay character, but discovers things are not that simple. Immersive, cinematic, and creepy, this book holds a mirror to many injustices in society.
The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
This dark academia title from Hugo-winning author Emily Tesh has it all: a magical boarding school, the pressures of teaching, demonic manipulation, and students experimenting with extremely dangerous magic. Oh, and let’s not forget the top notch sapphic pining between the chronically overworked headmistress and her no-nonsense head of security.
Hall of Mirrors by John Copenhaver
A popular mystery novelist dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving it to his writing partner (and lover!) to untangle a connection to a serial killer. Set in Washington, D.C. in the fifties, this book convincingly portrays the paranoia of the McCarthy era.
Winging It with You by Chip Pons
First of all, this author has the most adorable name ever. Second, his gay rom-com about recently-dumped Asher and grounded pilot Theo, who join forces on a travel competition reality show, sounds like a fun approach to the fake dating trope. But you guessed it: the chemistry between them is anything but fake.
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn
In this heartfelt YA romance, endearingly awkward theatre kid Patch is convinced that this is the year he’ll get a boyfriend. Camp, over the top, and hilarious, this book is definitely a ride.
Coup de Grâce by Sofia Ajram
Stuck in a seemingly endlessly looping subway station, the main character of this psychological nightmare from the Horror section starts to explore the rooms and corridors ahead of him. Only… there’s no end in sight, and he is probably not alone in here.
A Game of Hearts and Heists by Ruby Roe
All the tropes converge in the description of this book: a heist, found family, enemies to lovers, a secret royal, and “only one bed”. Honestly, sign us up, because this steamy Romantasy title about a disgraced assassin and a medic-turned-poisoner for hire sounds great.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
The tagline of this highly-anticipated new V.E. Schwab novel is “toxic lesbian vampires”, which really tells you all you need to know. Described by the author as “a tale of hunger and the many shapes it takes,” this 500+ page chonker will take you through different countries and timelines like it’s nothing!
Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars
When a drag queen is found dead in her dressing room, her fellow drag performers become prime suspects. Frustrated by police discrimination, main character and drag star Misty Divine (known by day as Joe, a non-binary accountant) decides to solve the murder herself.
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
Tragedy strikes two BFFs’ dreams, and one of them starts running and doesn’t stop. Taking on various identities throughout the years, she eventually becomes a wildly successful author. This fictional memoir is a story of coming to terms with the past and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Fated Winds and Promising Seas by Rose Black
This swashbuckling story features a prison break, a magical ship, and a healthy dose of mental health rep. With a ship full of outcasts and heretics, this is definitely not your standard pirate fantasy.
