Happy Pride Month, everyone!
In honor of celebrating the LGBT community and embracing the freedom to be yourself and love who you love, I wanted to share some delightful LGBT romance books. Each of these stories features LGBT protagonists, regardless of whether their identity is at the story’s center. Even as Pride Month comes to an end, these romantic reads are perfect for any time of year.
Sweet LGBT Romance Books
1. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee
This is the first book in the superhero series, Sidekick Squad. The story revolves around Jessica Tran, whose parents are C-list superheroes. Jessica, having given up on developing superpowers of her own, is focused on boosting her college applications. She lands an outstanding internship with the local supervillains, driven partly by the fact that it’s a paid gig and that her crush, Abby, is also working there. With hopes of turning this into a fun experience, Jess dives in. The love story is not the main focus, but Jess’s crush on Abby brings an adorable backdrop to the action-packed plot. If you enjoy a humorous and heartwarming twist on comic books, you should check out Sidekick Squad. Plus, the sequels introduce even more LGBT romance and representation.
2. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
This is a touching and introspective story about Amanda, a trans girl who has recently moved to a small town in Tennessee to live with her father. Hoping for a fresh start, Amanda plans to keep a low profile until she finishes high school. But things change when she meets Grant and starts falling for him. Amanda wants to open up to Grant about her past but fears rejection. This book, written by a trans author, is one of the few mainstream romances with a transgender protagonist and provides an honest look at love and self-acceptance. Amanda’s story resonates with many LGBT readers, especially trans readers, but also connects with a broader audience. The author also includes two letters at the end, one for trans readers and another for cis readers, making it a highly recommended read for anyone seeking authentic voices in fiction.
3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This novel follows the lives of Aristotle (“Ari”) and Dante, two Mexican-American teenage boys in the 1980s. They meet one summer at the local pool and form an unlikely friendship that continues through letters after summer ends. As they grow older, their feelings for each other evolve from friendship to something deeper. Ari’s narration is captivating, and his relationship with Dante is one of the most beautiful love stories. The book features well-developed characters and stunning prose. There are rumors of a movie adaptation, but nothing confirmed yet.
4. Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
Liza, a studious introvert, meets the free-spirited Annie at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Despite their different backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. Their relationship deepens after a kiss on the beach, leading them to explore the possibility of romance. When their love becomes public, it threatens to separate them. This classic LGBT romance was controversial when first published but remains a touching portrayal of love and identity. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must-read for its lasting impact on LGBT literature.
5. Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Alice has sworn off dating after her ex-girlfriend dumps her upon learning that Alice is asexual. Now, Alice is content to spend her summer working at the local library and binge-watching TV shows. That is until she meets Takumi, a nerdy boy who catches her interest despite her reservations. This sweet and funny book is a rare gem featuring an asexual protagonist navigating the complexities of love, making it a wonderful summer read.
6. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This story inspired the hit movie “Love, Simon.” It follows Simon, a closeted teen who starts a secret email romance with a boy known only as “Blue.” Simon plans to come out in college, but his plans change when his emails are discovered by a classmate who threatens to out him unless Simon sets him up with his friend Abby. Both the book and the movie are modern classics of LGBT romance. The story is heartwarming, funny, and compelling, with Simon being a fantastic protagonist. If you enjoyed the movie, the book is definitely worth a read, along with its sequel, “Leah on the Offbeat.”
7. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
This book is a funny, action-packed historical adventure following Henry “Monty” Montague on his Grand Tour of Europe. Monty, often seen as the family disappointment, hopes this tour will be an exciting adventure with his best friend (and secret crush) Percy and his sister Felicity. However, things go awry when one of Monty’s antics leads to a manhunt across Europe. The book features an incredibly well-written bisexual protagonist, a slow-burn romance, and a vivid historical setting. If you love period romances, this book is a must-read. It also has a follow-up focusing on Monty’s sister, Felicity.
These seven books are just a few of my favorite LGBT romances. There are hundreds more titles in both the YA and adult fiction markets that need more love. As Pride Month wraps up, I hope you’ll explore these books and many others not listed here.
What are your favorite LGBT romance books? Let me know in the comments!
