Nine queer romances to read this summer
Happy Pride! Last year, I shared twenty of my most recommended queer romances but since then, I’ve read some more gems that I wanted to share. Best of all, I think most of these should be readily available from your local library. Let me know what queer romances you've read and loved lately in the comments!
A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander
A whimsical, wistful slow burn romance between an earl who prefers to keep himself away from society and his handsome valet who’s hiding a secret of his own. It's a quietly intense build between Christopher and James, one of gradual confessions, growing intimacy, and the wonder of knowing that you're no longer alone in the world.
Longshadow by Olivia Atwater
A magician teams up with an enigmatic street rat to investigate why the marriageable young ladies of London are mysteriously dying in this enchanting fantasy romance. Atwater’s writing has a fairy-tale cadence and vocabulary that I adore and I love how she pairs the magical feel with a sharp awareness of the injustices of 19th-century England.
Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur
Two publicists fall for each other when their celebrity clients start dating. One of my favorite things about this sapphic romance is how wonderfully Bellefleur develops one character through the other’s eyes—it’s a perfect example of the power of third person limited POV. I especially enjoyed the peek behind the scenes of celebrity and the scorching chemistry between our heroines.
Copper Script by K.J. Charles
I could put any of the three Charles titles I’ve read since last summer in here but this romance about a buttoned-up detective and charming graphologist who join forces to solve a mystery in 1920’s London was the perfect introduction to her work for me. The banter, suspense, and character development are all top-notch and I love Charles' eye for precise, perfectly revealing character details.
A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell
Two former childhood nemeses team up to search for a hidden hoard of Viking gold. I’m a big fan of Lowell's thoroughly researched historical romances and particularly liked how she pairs an insightful dissection of the history of archaeology with a charming sunshine and serious f/nb pairing, graceful prose, and a quietly triumphant HEA.
Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian
Yes, I’ve already talked plenty about my love for this contemporary romance (Sebastian’s first!) between two feuding co-stars on a long-running sci-fi show of questionable quality. But it's so, so good. It's a funny, thoughtful, clutch your heart and sigh swoony depiction of two people figuring each other out and learning how to be together. And it has the very best mini dachshund.
The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri
In an island powered by story, a knight and a witch set out to rewrite their tragic love story. This sapphic romantic fantasy seamlessly weaves together an enemies to lovers romance with an epic struggle for the kingdom’s soul and features some of the best world building I’ve read in a fantasy all year. Simply spellbinding.
Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti
Rival Gothic novelists end up trapped in a possibly haunted manor together in one of my romance favorites last year from a new favorite author. Georgiana and Cat are obsessed with each other, even when—or maybe especially when—they're bickering and I’m equally obsessed with their love story’s verve, sparkle, and celebration of queer joy.
Thirty Love by Tom Vellner
If you're looking for something to read around the US Open, may I suggest this delicious tennis rivals romance? I was delighted by the globetrotting, insider-y look into the sport and how Vellner captures the infuriating, intoxicating blend of being annoyed by and wildly attracted to someone at the same time. As a bonus, there's an all-star supporting cast.
And here's a handful of queer romances on my TBR:
The Duke by Anna Cowan, about a powerful aristocrat and the woman she once abandoned in Revolutionary Paris. (The drama!)
Set Point by Meg Jones and The Open Era by Edward Schmit, for more queer tennis romances.
It Had to Be Him by Adib Khorram, where a man who’s just been publicly dumped runs into a high school crush on a spontaneous trip to Italy.
After Hours at Dooryard Books by Cat Sebastian, a historical romance set in 1960’s New York, because Sebastian’s mid-century romances are pure catnip to me.
Currently reading: Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe, about a princess trapped in a bookshop. (The dream, honestly.)
Recommendations, miscellany, and little bits of joy:
My favorite chatty pop culture podcast, We’re Obsessed, going to twice a week! I love Jodi and Nora’s banter.
Baklava ice cream from Malai in Cobble Hill, which would be a perfect stop in a Brooklyn book crawl.
The return of my favorite summer treat, Love Island. I have yet to decide whether to commit to US or UK (leaning towards UK) but it's ridiculous and brings me much joy.
