There is something very special about reading engaging romance books about LGBTQ love. While you might think there are not many options to choose from, there is actually quite a big selection of LGBTQ + romance books for you to choose from.
Whether you prefer sweet and romantic love stories or those that are full of heartbreak and unexpected changes, you are bound to find the perfect book for you. Here are books about LGBTQ+ romance that you should add to your collection right away.
“The Henna Wars” by Adiba Jaigirdar
Nishat wanted to come out to her parents so she could feel the weight of this secret coming off of her shoulders, but the reaction she received wasn’t the one she expected. Muslim girls aren’t lesbians and her parents wanted her to be happy and anyone she wants- except for her true self. Nishat values her relationship with her family greatly, so this begins a big conflict for her.
After coming in contact with an old childhood friend, Flávia, Nishat finds herself falling over her immediately. When a school competition asks students to start their own businesses, both girls choose to run a henna business. This leads to an interesting rivalry between the two as well as a way for Nishat to explore her crush on Flávia. This book explores lesbian romance in most compelling way.
Goodreads rating: 4.1* out of 3,735 reviews
“Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman
This romantic LGBTQ+ series focuses on the story of Charlie, an openly gay, ambitious over-thinker, and Nick, a rugby player with a heart of gold. The two meet at the British all-boys grammar school they attend and quickly become good friends.
Charlie had a very difficult last year in school as he was bullied a lot after being outed by some bullies in their school. After his friendship with Nick starts to blossom, he starts falling for him hard and he doesn’t think Nick would ever give him a chance. Love works in mysterious ways though… This is one of the best LGBTQ romance books.
Goodreads rating: 4.55* out of 52,042 reviews
“Love & Other Disasters” by Anita Kelly
Dahlia Woodson has just gotten out of a difficult divorce and has found herself on the verge of bankruptcy. Her backup plan is signing up for the popular competition show Chef’s Special, which sadly doesn’t get off on the right foot. Despite that, she is set on winning the prize money and turning her life around.
London Parker, a fellow contestant, starts getting to know Dahlia better and the two soon start developing feelings for one another. The book is full of hilarious scenes, anxiety about the future, and many other themes that make it relatable and very entertaining to read.
Goodreads rating: 3.88* out of 2,501 reviews
“You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty” by Akwaeke Emezi
Feyi Adekola is struggling with finding herself after a tragic accident that took away the love of her life. She is now a full-blown artist with her very own studio, and her best friend Joy has made it her mission to help her start dating again. Despite the fact that it has been five years since her passing, Feyi just isn’t ready to find love.
This book focuses on the journey of healing from such a traumatic event and how love can prevail even in difficult times. Feyi is a very strong character who has a lot of deep emotions and many important lessons to teach everyone who decides to read her story.
Goodreads rating: 3.84 out of 1,840 reviews
“Lakelore” by Anna-Marie McLemore
Lakelore is a young adult novel that focuses on the lives of two non-binary teens, Bastián Silvano and Lore Garcia, who are suddenly pulled into a magical world existing under a lake. The rumors are that this lake is plentiful of locals who live nearby and the two characters find themselves discovering more and more about this otherworldly place.
In order to uncover the secrets of the lake, Lore and Bastián have to trust one another and work together. This proves to be an especially difficult task considering the two teens haven’t spoken a word to one another in seven years.
Goodreads rating: 4.1* out of 975 reviews
“Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender
Can you imagine the irony of being called Felix Love, yet never having experienced true love yourself? This is the reality of Felix, and he desperately wants to find and experience what seems to come so effortlessly to everyone else. Felix is transgender and proud of his identity, but despite his pride, he is a victim of transphobia as a student in his school starts sharing pictures of him before he transitioned.
Instead of giving up, he puts together a plan for revenge through which he falls right in the middle of a love triangle. Through trying to understand his feelings for the other people, he discovers that the most important relationship he needs to understand is the one with himself. This book is great for trans people, especially for trans youth struggling with similar issues in their everyday lives.
Goodreads rating: 4.33* out of 9,213 reviews
Picking the right LGBTQ Romance books can be a challenge
Even if you know exactly what you’re looking for, you might still have a hard time picking the right book to read. The good thing is that there are many LGBTQ + romance books out there ready for you to pick up and explore. And remember; if a book is not “clicking” with you right away, give it a few more pages. You might just end up abandoning a book that has so much more to give you and all you have to give it in return is some of your time.
