Even though Pride Month is almost over, these queer book recommendations are the best way to celebrate all summer and even all year. We spoke to authors about their favorite queer stories, ranging from Sleepy Hollow twists to a classic that paved the way for other writers. Get them at your local library, in audiobook format, or at your favorite independent bookstore.
Ashley Herring Blake, author of Take A Chance, Sasha Sinclair recommends:
Ready To Score by Jodie Slaughter: If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Wow, I’m really craving a super queer Friday Night Lights that plays brilliantly on the enemies-to-lovers trope,” as one does, this book is for you. Jade and Francesca both have their hearts and minds set on the high school head football coaching job in their small town, and nothing will stand in their way. Except, of course, their raging attraction to each other. Jodie Slaughter is an expert at emotional stakes and spicy scenes that somehow make all that yearning even more irresistible. A must-read for romance and sportsball fans alike.
Bridget Morrissey, author of In What World recommends:
For The Bride by Becca Grischow: I wholeheartedly recommend FOR THE BRIDE by Becca Grischow. Not only is it a funny and totally delightful sapphic romance, it also dives deep into discussions of alcoholism and loss of a parent. It’s a masterful balance between hilarious and heartfelt, with some deep emotional resonance. Easily one of my favorite romances in years!
Kate Rhodes, author of Haven and The Fallen Giants, recommends:
The Thief of the Heights by Son M. and Robin Yao: A compelling YA sci-fi graphic novel about a group of young inventors striving for a better life in the disease-ridden waters of the lowest tier of their city. The story is intriguing, emotionally raw, and heartbreaking, yet it is full of warmth between all the characters, including the budding romance between Mustafa and Basem that will have you kicking your feet.
Jennifer Xu, author of Haven and The Fallen Giants, recommends:
Castle Swimmer by Wendy Martin: I have to holler on the hills about Castle Swimmer by Wendy Martin. We follow Kappa and Siren, two merman, as they embark on an adventure to defy the fates that bind them. The love between the leads is candy-sweet with a core rich with intricate emotions. It is a story full of sincerity and complexity expertly seesawed against humor that made me belt with laughter.
The prism of characters are as vibrant as the sea they inhabit, but their world is not without its challenges. I found myself swept into the turbulence of their lives as they fought against its current, turning the pages in one breath. Dive into this tale of how to love completely— both others and yourself.
John Glynn, author of The Lost Book of Lancelot recommends:
Don’t Cry For Me by Daniel Black: Daniel Black’s exquisite novel Don’t Cry for Me has a permanent imprint on my soul. It’s told through letters from a father to his estranged gay son and explores themes of guilt, redemption and the echoes of one’s ancestors. Read it in a day and remember it forever.
Wade Rouse, author of That’s What Friends Are For recommends:
Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown: For Pride, why not read the novel that single-handedly kick-started the modern-gay lit movement? Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown – published in 1973 – follows Molly Bolt, a bold, unapologetic young lesbian navigating sexism, poverty and homophobia in America. Brown’s novel was groundbreaking because – unlike many preceding stories about queer characters that ended in tragedy – her character celebrated a joyful path to self-acceptance. Like Mark Twain (and I try to do), Brown tackles serious messages with laughter. Gloria Steinem called Rubyfruit Jungle “the rare work of fiction that changed real life.” Brown even became a tabloid star for falling in love with tennis champion Martina Navratilova. I write the stories I do largely because of the path she created, and I am proud to call Rita Mae my friend.”
Amy Pennza, author of Dhampira, recommends:
Hollow by Karina Halle: I’m such a huge fan of Karina Halle, and I absolutely devoured Hollow, her spicy MMF menage retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. She writes gothic fiction so well, and she hooked me right from the start with her spin on Katrina, Brom, and Ichabod. Because, let’s face it, that story was always crying out for a dark and delicious throuple. And Karina delivered like she always does! Hollow (and its sequel Legend) are wicked, spicy, and also terrifying in the best way.
Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor, authors of Summer Coven recommend:
Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England is a cozy that’s Stardew Valley meets Legends & Lattes. With a nonbinary protagonist trying to balance their fresh start on a new farm and the crushing guilt of past mistakes, all while navigating romance, friendship, and a strange haunting, this hits a perfect balance of cozy vibes and emotional depth. It’s such a fun, fast read, and we’d gladly move to the village of Mossley’s Rest with its paladin library, magical bakery, and vibrant farmer’s market!
Emma R. Alban, author of Happily Ever Afterlife recommends:
Brianna Robinson is a book publicist and Sarah Lawrence College alum. She lives in New York with too many books and two enthusiastic dachshunds. You can find her on twitter @blrobins2.
