June is here, and with it comes Pride Month—a time to honor the history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a time to amplify the voices of queer authors, celebrate love in all its forms, and immerse ourselves in stories that reflect the diversity and richness of the LGBTQ+ experience.
Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted or more profound, these books cover it all. Here are my top picks to read and reflect on this Pride Month:
And They Were Roommates by Page Powars
This sweet and fun rom-com tells the story of two college roommates, Elle and Leila, who find themselves in a blossoming romance despite their contrasting personalities. And They Were Roommates is full of humor, heart, and the kind of slow-burn tension that makes queer romances so much fun. It’s a feel-good read that reminds us of the importance of finding love, even when it seems least expected.
Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
Say A Little Prayer is an uplifting and emotional romance about Arden and Sadie, two women who meet under difficult circumstances but find each other through shared moments of vulnerability. This book explores themes of healing, self discovery, and the power of love when it comes in unexpected forms. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a story about personal growth and emotional depth.
Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
In Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil, V. E. Schwab crafts a haunting and beautifully written fantasy about identity, belonging, and the strength of chosen family. This is a must-read for fans of Schwab’s work and those looking for a dark and immersive fantasy story with LGBTQ+ representation. It’s rich in atmosphere and complexity, making it both an adventurous and emotionally resonant read.
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
A delightful rom-com that puts a queer spin on the “bachelor” reality show format, The Charm Offensive follows Dev and Charlie, two men caught in a reality TV romance that might just turn into something real. This book is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, exploring themes of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and the search for love in the public eye. A perfect summer read for those who want something both charming and meaningful.
The Girl You Know by Elle Gonzalez Rose
The Girl You Know is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about Marissa, a young woman who returns to her small hometown and reconnects with Zoe, a woman she once shared a deep, intense connection with. This book explores themes of identity, love, and the complexities of rediscovering yourself in a place that never really understood you. A tender, nostalgic read for fans of self-discovery and second chance romance.
No One In Particular by Sophie Gonzalez
No One In Particular is a thrilling, contemporary YA novel that follows Rory as she navigates the complexities of being a bisexual teenager, all while uncovering secrets and truths about herself and her relationships. This book dives deep into themes of self-acceptance, family dynamics, and the power of embracing who you truly are. It’s a gripping and introspective read, perfect for those who love a coming-of-age story with a touch of mystery.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix Ever After is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a powerful coming-of-age story that tackles issues of gender identity, love, and personal growth. Felix is a transgender teen dealing with love, identity, and the struggles of growing up while navigating a world that doesn’t always understand him. This book is equal parts emotional and heartwarming, filled with lessons on self-love, friendship, and the complexities of being yourself.
Camp by L. C. Rosen
Camp is a queer twist on the classic summer camp genre. Randy is a camp counselor who’s determined to have the best summer ever, even though he’s pretending to be someone he’s not to impress his crush. The book is full of humor, campy drama, and heart, exploring themes of self-expression, love, and embracing your true self. It’s a lighthearted but meaningful read for anyone looking to have some fun while still diving deep into LGBTQ+ themes.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
This novel is a charming and heartfelt story about Patrick, a gay man who becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew after a family tragedy. The Guncle is a story of family, love, and finding joy even in the most difficult circumstances. Rowley balances humor and emotional depth beautifully, making it a read that’s both entertaining and heartwarming.
Work Nights by Erica Peplin
Work Nights is a quiet and introspective novel about Jordan, a woman who struggles
with work, love, and her evolving sense of identity. It’s a deep, character-driven
narrative that deals with the complexities of balancing personal life and romantic
relationships, all while discovering more about who you are along the way. For those
who enjoy slow-burn, thoughtful stories, this one is sure to resonate.
Join me at Read With Reagan as we continue celebrating LGBTQ+ voices.
If you’ve read any of these books or have recommendations of your own, I’d love to hear about them!
