Kait Mae

When I first sat down with the idea to write this, it was more about being inclusive and giving you recommendations for more diverse books in terms of sexuality. But now, with everything going on in the world – specifically the politics in the United States – it means more now to write about queer romance as a way to show that the LGBTQ+ community is welcome here. I appreciate everything the community stands for. And while I’m not going to get super political with this post, I do want you to know that if you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I stand with you, and I will continue fighting for you.

And if you have a problem with that, you’re on the wrong blog.

So, without further ado, here are seven recommendations for new or classic queer romance for your “love month” reads.

Red: ‘So Not My Type’ by Dana Hawkins

First up in our queer romance rainbow, we have our red cover, So Not My Type. Because my Bachelor’s degree was in mass communications, I’m a bit more inclined to pick up a book if it says the characters are in media of any kind. So, of course, this and her other books 9which are all WLW-centric) are now on my list.

In So Not My Type, ambitious Sophie Black clashes with privileged Ella Northwood while mentoring her at an ad agency. As they work together, though, their rivalry turns into an unexpected connection, challenging each other’s beliefs about love, success, and each other.

Orange: ‘Recommended Reading’ by Paul Coccia

Paul Coccia’s bibliography is prominently YA LGBTQ+ fiction, so of course I had to highlight one of his books. Inspired by Jane Austen, Recommended Reading is Coccia’s newest novel and one of his cutest.

Recommended Reading follows 17-year-old Bobby Ashton after a humiliating public rejection as he works at his uncle’s bookstore for the summer. There, he becomes known for his book recommendations and forms an unexpected connection with Luke, a lifeguard, challenging his views on romance and grand gestures.

Yellow: ‘Blame It On the Stars’ by Elle Bennett

This was the last book on this list that I chose – and it made me realize how few new releases have yellow prominently on their covers. Anyway, if you’re looking for an author you don’t hear about on social media often, then Blame It On the Stars is perfect for you.

Blame It On the Stars is the story of Marie Samuels, who believes a childhood wish on a star causes her friendships to falter as they become too close. At 20, after her best friend moves away, she meets Alex Kim. Determined to keep him at arm’s length, Marie struggles as their bond deepens, challenging her fears of intimacy and loss.

For more Reading Through the Rainbow, check out my Horror and Thriller list.

Green: ‘Heartstopper: Volume One’ by Alice Oseman

Out of every “classic” queer fiction story out there, one stood out to me because of how prominent it is today. That is Heartstopper – and yes, I see clips and edits everywhere on social media – and for good reason. So, if you love the Netflix show or want a graphic novel, this is the pick for you.

Heartstopper introduces Charlie, a high-strung, openly gay overthinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player. When they meet at an all-boys grammar school, friendship blossoms into something more, leading them to navigate the challenges of coming out and young love.

Blue: ‘It’s a Love/Skate Relationship’ by Carli J. Corson

I’m a sucker for sports romances – particularly hockey romances – so when I saw this one release in late January 2025, I knew it would end up on my “to-buy” list. It’s a standalone hockey-figure skater romance that I’m sure I’m going to end up putting in my favorites one day.

In It’s a Love/Skate Relationship, hockey player Charlie Porter instigates a brawl that leads to her suspension, compelling her to partner up with figure skater Alexa Goldstein, whose teammate was injured in the incident. Despite their initial animosity, their collaboration on the ice evolves into something more.

Indigo: ‘For One Night Only’ by Jessica James

Are you more into the fake dating trope but also want it to be queer? Then the first book in the Glitter Bats series is perfect for you. It just came out in January 2025, so you’ll have to wait a little for more books (none of which are on Goodreads yet). But why not dive in now?

In For One Night Only, Valerie Quinn takes a drastic measure to fix her negative press issue. She proposes a reunion concert with her old band, Glitter Bats. But this forces her to reconnect with her ex-lover Caleb Sloane. As they fake a renewed relationship for publicity, their unresolved feelings resurface, making them confront their past and potential future.

Looking for more Reading Through the Rainbow, but want fantasy instead? I got you.

Violet: ‘All the Painted Stars’ by Emma Denny

While All the Painted Stars may be the second in a series, you can read it in any order. And if you love historical fiction and queer romance, you’re going to love this friends-to-lovers story. The first book is also a queer romance, but I’m biased for friends-to-lovers over strangers-to-lovers.

In 14th-century Oxfordshire, Lily Barden discovers that her best friend Johanna’s hand in marriage is the prize in a tournament. Determined to stop this, she disguises herself as a knight to compete. But when unforeseen events force them to flee, their friendship deepens into love as they seek freedom together.