Have you been enjoying Pride? This wonderful time of year is where we get to get out, be who we are, and celebrate! And sure, this month is a great one to explore LGBTQ+ history, or learn something about an identity or group you may not be aware of, but personally, if I’m going to celebrate, it’s going to be with queer romance. Love! It’s great. If you too want to keep Pride going into the next month, let’s take a look at some great queer romances for you to pick up and read.
Someone You Can Build A Nest In by John Wiswell
Everyone knows that monsters are attractive, but let’s face it: asexuals just haven’t gotten their fair piece of that pie yet! This excellent book seeks to fix this, with a beautiful ace romance between horrific shapeshifting monster Shesheshen and Homily, a girl trapped in the middle of some of the messiest family drama you’ve ever seen. Written from Shesheshen’s point of view, the book is creative, sweet, and sometimes maybe a little unsettling. Just like romance!
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
So called “slow life” books are all the rage right now, as what fantasy could be better than having free time and building something with your own hands? Maybe a slow burn romance on the side? Viv, the orc adventurer, is hanging up her sword to make a coffee shop, and might find a “family” and a romance in the people she hires to help her. As it says on the cover, it’s a book of high fantasy and low stakes, and it delivers.
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston
McQuinston’s smash hit about the son of the US President falling for an English prince is a well known book for a reason. It’s hard to build higher stakes into a steamy relationship than the political fates of two different countries, after all! Sprinkle in a little bit of that enemies to lovers and royalty magic and you’ve got a fun read for sure.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
For those who like a little historical romance, perhaps consider this tale of intrigue and blackmail. Sir Gareth wasn’t always landed gentry, and before he inherited he had a bit of a fling with a handsome fellow in a Molly house. But now, it turns out that that gentleman leads a smuggling ring run on Gareth’s newly inherited land, and the dashing Joss isn’t about to let Gareth stop those operations, at least not if he doesn’t want everyone to know about his proclivities!
Chef’s Kiss by Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine
If you’re more of the comic-reader type, perhaps something like Chef’s Kiss might be more up your alley? Aspiring writer and editor Ben just can’t find a job in the field he so loves. The market is hard out there! Because of this, he jumps at a chance to work at a local restaurant to pay the bills while he keeps searching. But he may find more passions there than he realizes, especially in attractive chef Liam!
Chef’s Kiss by TJ Alexander
If you don’t like graphic novels, but you like the words “Chef’s Kiss” being used as a title, I’ve got another option for you! Simone, a pastry chef who loves writing for a cooking magazine, is being forced out of her element when she’s suddenly required to shoot video as well, something she just isn’t great at. Enter Ray, the manager of the test kitchen who accidentally goes viral with some videos on homebrewing. Simone needs Ray’s star power at this moment, but when Ray comes out as nonbinary, it throws a whole wrench into the plans, and to their budding attraction!
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan A Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
Let’s end our list of recommendations with that most tried and true romance plot, that of the fake dating scenario. Kris is an influencer who is just on the cusp of hitting it big, and D’Vaughn has kind of just never gotten around to telling her mom she’s gay. Clearly the best way to achieve both their goals is to go on the reality show Instant I Do, where Kris and D’Vaughn have to convince their friends and family they’re in love while planning and throwing a huge wedding in just six weeks for a big cash prize. What could possibly go wrong?
Hope you’ve been waving any of your big assortment of flags this month and celebrating with the best of them, even if you haven’t been celebrating with romance novels. Just know you’re welcome here at the library, no matter what your orientation, gender, whatever! It’s a big reason why I became a librarian! If you come in, never fear, we’ve got books, assistance, and respect waiting for you. Happy Pride!