Happy Pride Month! Rainbow season has kicked off, and if you’re not celebrating Pride Month by reading a bunch of awesome queer books, then are you really even celebrating? I’ve got like a million and one books on my TBR that I want to read this month and I don’t even know where to start. There are SO many fabulous LGBTQIA+ books out there, and while I’ve only scratched the surface with what I’ve read, I couldn’t not share with you some of the queer reads that you all definitely need to be checking out this month and beyond . So if you’re looking for a one, two or several queer books to read in celebration of Pride Month, here’s a round-up of TWENTY-SEVEN that you need to be adding to your TBR! MEETING MILLIEAuthor: Clare Ashton Trope: W|W Friends-to-lovers Millie and Charlotte became best friends while living in the same dorm and both undertaking a law degree. But now ten years later, the pair haven’t crossed paths since their final year at Oxford, their friendship having been left in tatters afters Charlotte fell in love with her best friend. Now they’re both back in the city and the familiar tug of their friendship has them reconnecting. A lot has happened in ten years, but nothing has changed about how easy their friendship is, and both realise just how much they’ve missed that connection over the past decade. As they catch up on everything they’ve missed since they last saw each other, old and new feelings are surfacing, threatening the friendship they’ve only just started reforging… THE ROMANCE RECIPEAuthor: Ruby Barrett Trope: W|W Boss/Employee Amy’s dreams of owning her own restaurant have finally come to fruition, but after months of dwindling customers, things are not looking good, even with former-reality cooking show star Sophie as her head chef to entice people in. But Sophie’s celebrity status isn’t what caught Amy’s attention – ever since watching Pop-Up Kitchen she’s admired Sophie’s cooking skills and also has a little crush on her. What Amy thinks is just a straight-girl crush is actually mutual attraction. For Sophie, figuring out that she’s bisexual has been a long-time coming, and now that she’s single and free to explore this part of her, she’s only got eyes for Amy. Amy likes being in control and doing things on her own, so instead of opening up to her head chef about what’s going on, she’d rather make decision that she thinks is the best for everyone. Their lack of clear communication and bubbling sexual attraction leads them to a casual but not-so-casual relationship. When Amy suggests that they apply for a new foodie television show that could help save the restaurant, testing their dynamic both in and out of the kitchen. DELILAH GREEN DOESN’T CARE Author: Ashley Herring Blake Trope: W|W Enemies-to-lovers/Sister’s best friend Series: Bright Falls #1 It’s been twelve years since Delilah Green hightailed it out of Bright Falls for New York, and for the most part, she’s never looked back. But now her step-sister is getting married and has hired Delilah to be her wedding photographer, which includes all pre-wedding events in the two weeks leading up to the big day. Delilah and Astrid have never really been close, but with her wicked step mother offering a large cheque, Delilah really can’t say no. As Delilah pumps herself up to spend time with her sister and her best friends Claire and Iris, what Delilah doesn’t expect is the mutual attraction between herself and Claire. Hooking up with her sister’s best friend is just the kind of thing that will piss Astrid off, but as Delilah gets reacquainted with Claire, it’s the last reason she has for getting close to her. And when Delilah, Claire and Iris start working together to try and secretly help Astrid see that her fiancé is horrible, Delilah can’t help but feel like she’s got more in common with Astrid than she realised, and that maybe running away from Bright Falls in the first place wasn’t the answer to all her problems… ASTRID PARKER DOESN’T FAIL Author: Ashley Herring Blake Trope: W|W Opposites attract/Baby-queer Series: Bright Falls #2 Designer Astrid Parker has been given her dream design job – giving Bright Falls’ iconic Everwood Inn a complete makeover. To top it all off, the renovations are going to feature on an episode of Innside America, giving Astrid the exposure she so desperately wants for herself and her business. And hopefully her mother will finally see her as a success, especially after the disaster that was her engagement. There’s just one major hurdle in the form of Pru Everwood’s granddaughter Jordan, who’s not only the lead carpenter on the renovations, but is passionate about the inn’s history and is vocal about her dislike for Astrid’s plans. The show’s producers love the drama that the tension between the pair is causing, but when the cameras stop rolling, the duo grow closer as they work to combine both of their ideas for the inn. For Astrid, being around Jordan allows her to explore her identity and come to some startling realisations about her relationship with her mother and what she wants in life. THE CHARM OFFENSIVE Author: Alison Cochrun Trope: M|M Reality dating show Dev loves his job as producer on reality dating show Ever After and loves crafting the settings for two people to fall in love. The show is back for another season but Dev’s got his work cut out for him – Charlie is far from the perfect Prince Charming everyone is expecting. Dev is given the task of helping Charlie come out of his shell and look like the perfect Prince the world is expecting to watch fall in love. Ever After is the chance for disgraced tech-whizz Charlie to get back in the game, but he is struggling to feel comfortable in the world of reality television. As Dev and Charlie spend more and more time together, Charlie is able relax and come out of his shell, but in doing so, he starts to question things about himself. Ever After has produced many long-lasting relationships, but this season has a twist that neither Dev nor Charlie, nor the network, were expecting, but it could just be the greatest love story to ever air. KISS HER ONCE FOR ME Author: Alison Cochrun Trope: W|W Fake fiancé’s sister Last Christmas, Ellie Oliver had it all – she had recently moved to Portland for her dream animation job, and although her mother had once again abandoned her for Christmas, things took a very positive turn during a meet-cute at a bookstore on Christmas Eve with a woman she fell in love with in just one day. Now, with Christmas around the corner once again, things couldn’t be more different – she lost her dream job, is working in a cafe for a boss who’s a bit of an ass, her bank account is about to hit the red, she’s on the verge of losing her apartment, and her heart is still broken from the events of last Christmas. As her life begins to crumble around her, Andrew, the owner of the cafe’s building, offers her a lifeline – they can become fake engaged in order for him to secure his inheritance from his grandfather, and she’ll be given a cut of the money which will help her live more than comfortably. The plan is simple enough until Ellie is invited to spend Christmas with Andrew and his family at their cabin in the mountains, only to learn that the woman who broke her heart a year ago is actually her fake fiancé’s sister Jack. Now Ellie is torn between keeping up the ruse in order to help Andrew secure the inheritance and get her cut, and following her heart to rekindle things with Jack and get her happily ever after. THIRSTY: CONFESSIONS OF A FAME WHOREAuthor: Joel Creasey Trope: Memoir Joel pulls back the curtain on his journey to comedy stardom. From reigning tyrant at his private school and working in radio, to getting dropped in the African jungle and doing the comedy circuit, Joel has SO many stories to tell, and you can tell that some are only scraping the surface with the amount of tea he’s spilling. If you’re a fan of Joel and his comedy, this is definitely a book to listen to via audiobook as Joel narrates his own life story. A WORK IN PROGRESS Author: Connor Franta Trope: Memoir This book looks at Connor's life from childhood to present day, looking at the ups and downs of his life and the moments that helped he become who is today. From growing up in a small town and moving LA, to coming out as gay, and overcoming his personal insecurities. But as the title suggestions, his life is a work in progress and he's eagerly awaiting what his future holds. NOTE TO SELF Author: Connor Franta Trope: Memoir Note To Self is a continuation of A Work In Progress, reflecting on the past two years of Connor's life where he's gone through a lot of change, heartbreak and realisation. In these pages, he looks at his first major breakup, dealing with depression and trying to live life to the fullest. All this is told through a series of stunning photographs, beautiful poems and short essays. WELCOME TO PARADISE Author: Lise Gold Trope: W|W Vacation romance Series: The Resort #1 Lisa Walker has been at the all-inclusive Paradise Hotel in Benidorm, Spain, for barely a week and has already been labeled as “Miss Grumpy” by the staff for not wanting to get involved in the hotel’s activities or socialise with the other British holiday makers who flock to the hotel ever week. But Lisa isn’t like those other holiday makers, she’s in Paradise because she’s broken up with her longterm girlfriend, lost her job, and given up her London apartment in order to save money while she hunts for a new job. This sunny summer escape is meant to be a reset but it’s felt like anything but. Until she meets poolside manager Stella Castillo, who steps in to ensure Lisa isn’t about to file a complaint about her staff after they inadvertently put their foot in it. It should only be a five minute exchange, but Stella is intrigued by Lisa and is soon inviting her out of Paradise to show her the beauty of Spain beyond the non-Spanish tourist strip. It’s clear the pair are attracted to one another, and it’s not long before the fall into a casual summer romance. Lisa’s in Spain for a finite period of time, and they’re going to make the most of however long that is, but maybe this summer fling could be a forever romance. AFTER SUNSET Author: Lise Gold Trope: W|W Lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers Series: The Resort #2 Returning home to Spain for the first time in years, chef Zoe is excited to be back near her family and putting down roots in her hometown of Benidorm. She’s just landed a job as the executive chef at El Escondite, the refurbished Premier Sunset hotel, and while the place in being renovated, she’s building her kitchen dream team. There’s just been one downer on this whole experience - the lead contractor is the woman she lost her virginity to, Marcy, and Marcy doesn’t even remember Zoe. The two seemingly do not get along, even though it’s clear they’re attracted to one another. So when Zoe drops the bomb on Marcy that they do in fact know each other, Marcy is determined to apologise for her actions as a teenager and for the way she’s acted during the renovation process. With things patched up, the pair grow closer and it’s not long before they can’t deny their attraction any longer. Marcy has always been flirt and the queen of one-night-stands, but for the first time she’s interested in a future with the woman she’s attracted to. She just has to show a reluctant Zoe that she’s in this for the long haul. PARADISE PRIDE Author: Lise Gold Trope: W|W Vacation romance/Baby-queer Series: The Resort #3 Londonites Meghan and Kim are holidaying in Spain so that Kim can visit her long-distance boyfriend. Turns out that their stay at Paradise Hotel coincides with a women-only pride event, and their booking wasn’t transferred to a sister hotel like everyone else’s. With no one else staying in the hotel that first night, and Kim staying at her boyfriend’s place, Meghan is a little anxious about being in the hotel all by herself, and so bartender Florence offers to stay with her after the end of her shift. There’s definite chemistry between the pair, even with their 10 year age difference, but Meghan is adamant that she’s straight. However as she spends more time with Florence, who continues to keep her company at night while Kim is with her boyfriend, Meghan begins to question her past relationships and her sexuality. As Meghan comes to terms with this self discovery and what it could mean for her future, Florence struggles with once again being someone’s secret. As Meghan and Kim’s holiday comes to a end, Meghan and Florence are forced to face the harsh reality of holiday romances and the journey one takes to coming out to themselves and to their friends and family. IF THIS GETS OUT Author: Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich Trope: M|M Friends-to-lovers boyband on tour Saturday is the biggest boyband in America, and after a successful American leg of their world tour, they’re about to head overseas for the European leg. Members Angel, Jon, Reuben and Zach haven’t been out of the USA before, so it’s a big exciting adventure, even if they are being kept under tight reigns from their management. No one is feeling the pressure from management more than Reuben, who’s being forced to keep his sexuality out of the public eye, even though he’d love nothing more than to come and be true to himself. As they travel through Europe, Reuben and Zach grow closer and closer, and it’s not long before Zach is questioning his own sexuality. The budding relationship between the pair, along with issues growing for Jon and Angel, is what pushes all four boys to realise just how controlling their management really is, and just how much they’re never going to be allowed to be their true authentic selves. NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER Author: Sophie Gonzales Trope: W|W Reality dating show Maya and Skye have one thing in common – they share an ex-boyfriend and their time with him most certainly overlapped. Now, two years after Jordy cheated on Maya, he’s bringing six of his exes together for a reality dating show so he can re-explore the connections he once had. For Skye, Jordy was the one that got away, and she’s hoping that maybe she can reconnect with him again on the show. For Maya, she wants nothing to do with Jordy after the way he broke her heart and made her out to be the bitter and unhinged ex. But she can’t pass up the opportunity to get revenge and show the world that he’s not the sweet and caring guy he portrays himself to be. And while Maya knew she would have to not only have to spend time with Jordy but also Skye, she wasn’t expecting to be sharing a room with her as well. It’s a rocky start to their time on the show, but when Maya and Skye finally clear the air, they realise that working together might be the best way to bring their ex down. What they didn’t expect was sparks to fly, and not with Jordy. BOYFRIEND MATERIAL Author: Alexis Hall Trope: M|M Fake dating Series: London Calling #1 When his reputation is tarnished by the press, negatively affecting his job, Luc realises he needs to do something to turn things around, especially with a big fundraising event coming up that needs to be a success. That something is getting into a fake relationship so he can start being portrayed as a wholesome gay, not a party-all-night fall-over-drunk-in-the-street gay. His best friend Bridget is super excited to set him up with her only other gay friend Oliver. The problem is Luc has always fancied Oliver and the few encounters he’s had with him have ended badly. Perfect Oliver would never be interested in someone as messy as Luc. But when Oliver reveals he needs a date to his parent’s wedding anniversary, they strike up a mutually beneficial deal – they’ll fake date publicly until both events have come and gone, and then they’ll amicably go their separate ways. But, as with any fake relationship, the line between what’s real and what’s not soon becomes blurred as they both start to learn more about each other. Even though they’re from completely different worlds, they slowly start to realise how well they actually fit together. They just have to figure out how good they work together before they reach the agreed expiration date on their relationship... YOU’RE A MEAN ONE, MATTHEW PRINCE Author: Timothy Janovsky Trope: M|M Enemies-to-lovers After he buys a literal island, Matthew Prince is sent off to spend December with his grandparents in the small town of Wind River in order to avoid a PR scandal. His accounts have been frozen, he’s banned from social media, and Wind River is the last place on earth he wants to be, especially when it means missing his iconic New Years Eve party. To make matters worse, Matthew has to literally bunk with Hector Martinez, a student of his grandfather’s who is boarding with his grandparents while he finishes his degree. And it’s safe to say that the pair doesn’t get off to the best start. When the organiser of the local holiday charity gala falls ill, Matthew steps up to offer his event-organising expertise, hoping that if he does a good job it’ll mean he can get home sooner. With the promise of helping him get home to Texas to see his family, Matthew also enlists Hector to help with planning the event. Surrounded by the magic of a small-town Christmas, it doesn’t take long for Matthew to not only soak up the Christmas spirit, but maybe a little love along the way too... IN THE EVENT OF LOVE Author: Courtney Kae Trope: W|W Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers Series: Fern Falls #1 When her holiday plans blow up after a tabloid scandal cancels the event she was planning, Morgan Ross takes a chance on heading home to Fern Falls to help organise a holiday fundraiser, hoping it’ll help her tarnished image. She hasn’t been back to her mountain-side home for years, not since she packed up her life for bigger things in LA, leaving behind her father, friends, and her former best friend-turned-crush Rachel Reed. Morgan’s plan is to be in and out of town before she has to see too many people, especially Rachel, but that plan is foiled the moment she arrives and accidentally crashes into the sign for Reed Family Tree Farm, and she’s suddenly face-to-face with the girl who broke her heart. Turns out, her other best friend Ben has set her up, hoping that Morgan’s event planning expertise can help raise funds for the tree farm to save it from the corporate business sucking the life out of a neighbouring town. Morgan and Rachel have to face their feelings for one another, and the events that lead to their heartbreak after graduation, if they stand a chance at saving Fern Falls, their friendship, and maybe even a future together. MY ONLY REASON Author: Leigh Lennon Trope: M|M Teammates-to-lovers Series: Love is Love #1 Six years after Ryder kissed Crush, coming out as gay and that he's in love with his best friend, the pair are reunited when Ryder signs on with Crush's team. They haven't spoken in six years, despite the several occasions when their teams have played one another. Crush is still pissed that Ryder up and left without a conversation, but moreso he's pissed that his return means he's forced to face the real reason he was so hurt by Ryder's departure. It's been a year since Ryder came out publicly, and he's finally enjoying being able to live freely, paving the way for other footballers to be true to themselves. As the pair reconnect, Ryder senses that his dreams of being with the one person he's only truly ever loved could become a reality. But living in the spotlight means the road to forever isn't an easy one. MY ONLY REGRET Author: Leigh Lennon Trope: M|M Marriage of convenience Series: Love is Love #2 In one night, Bank Weston's world changed forever - he'd finally come out to all his fans and his new husband Dallas Phillips up and left because he couldn't follow through with coming out himself. A year has passed, in which Dallas has come out, and now that the football season is over, Dallas is keen to get involved with some LGBTQ+ events around town for a new foundation now that he can finally be open with himself. What he doesn't expect is Banks to also be involved. He's never stopped loving Banks and hates himself for handling things the way he did, and even though Banks won't admit it, he's still in love with Dallas, but hates him for his actions. When they come across a brother and sister who have no one, they realise their marriage can be used to give them a family. They can fake things for the sake of giving Jonah and Sally the life and security they deserve. But faking it comes with repercussions that will hurt way more than when Dallas left. CAN I STEAL YOU FOR A SECOND?Author: Jodi McAlister Trope: W|W Reality dating show Series: Marry Me, Juliet #2 With the wounds from her breakup with her ex-girlfriend Jac still fresh, Amanda is desperately looking for something to shift her focus and help her move on. And that something just happens to be applying to her favourite reality dating show Marry Me, Juliet. At the audition, she’s still struggling with her heartbreak and whether the show is even for her when she is comforted by fellow applicant Dylan. The pair exchange numbers and strike up a friendship and are ecstatic to learn that they’ll be on the show together. They’re both vying for the love of Olympian Dylan, but now that they’re living together in the Juliet Villa, Amanda can’t help but feel a stronger connection with her Dylan and questioning whether Dylan also feels that connection too. Torn between her growing feelings for Juliet-Dylan, wanting to get to know Romeo-Dylan, and still struggling with the scars left by ex-Jac, Amanda has more to worry about than just how she’ll be edited once the show goes to air… THIS MUCH IS TRUE Author: Miriam Margoyles Trope: Memoir Miriam is known for being an open book and not holding back, and nothing has changed with her memoir. From the intriguing genealogy of her parents and her childhood, through her time at Oxford and radio, to the acting roles that made her beloved British actress. Along the way, she talks about the people she met and worked alongside, and is very open about several of her sexual encounters. She’s crass, she’s raw, and she’s extremely open about all the experiences she’s had in her life, and the stories she tells are only just scratching the surface. BINGE Author: Tyler Oakley Trope: Memoir This book is a memoir, with Tyler telling various anecdotes about his life - from the time he thought he'd found true love (in one chapter I had found a beautiful ship, only to have it ripped to shreds), to his adventures with porn, to meeting One Direction, and throwing a tantrum in the Cheesecake Factory because his favourite burger no longer had beets (apparently not being able to shit red the next day was a major issue for Tyler!). Interspersed with pictures of fetus Tyler, he tells the stories of his highest highs and his lowest lows, all the while showing how these moments shaped him as a person, and made him who he is today. SOLITAIREAuthor: Alice Oseman Trope: Asexual/Aromantic Coming-of-age When Tori Spring returns to school after the Christmas break, she finds a post-it-note stuck to her locker. Following the arrows marked on the notes that she finds, she winds up in a dis-used computer lab and discovers ‘Solitaire’, a blog that begins pranking the school. It’s here that she also meets Michael Holden, a transfer from Truman who was notorious at the all-boys school. Introverted Tori has always struggled with keeping conversation and making friends, but things have gotten worse over the last year, and now she’s wondering why the seemingly happy Michael would want to be friends with her. And as if this first day back couldn’t throw any more surprises at her, her old best friend from primary school, Lucas Ryan, has also transferred to Higgs, and he seems to want to reconnect with Tori. But Tori isn’t the same person as she was all those years ago. Most think she’s just a typical angsty and cynical teen, but there’s more going on with Tori than even she realises, and things have only gotten worse since her younger brother Charlie has been dealing with his own mental health struggles. HEARTSTOPPER: VOLUME ONE Author: Alice Oseman Trope: M|M Highschool romance/Coming out Series: Heartstopper #1 Charlie is the only openly-gay student at an all-boys school, and although it’s been a bit of a bumpy road over the past year since he was outed, things are finally starting to settle down. In his new Form Group, Charlie meets Nick, a rugby player the year above him. Their paths have never had the chance to cross until now, and it’s not long before they become friends. Charlie’s falling hard and fast for Nick, even though he knows he doesn’t have a chance. However, Nick’s slowly starting to question his own sexuality as he gets closer to Charlie. Charlie’s dreams might all be about to become reality... If you LOVED the Neftlix series, do yourself a favour and devour the graphic novel series, and don't forget to add the final two installments to your TBR! QUEENS OF GEEK Author: Jen Wilde Trope: W|W Crush-to-lovers & M|F Friends-to-lovers BFFs Charlie, Taylor and Jamie have traveled from Melbourne to SupaCon in America for an experience of a lifetime. Charlie, a vlogger, is there to promote her new movie The Rising. She's hoping to show the world she's moved on from her heartbreak, and when she meets one of her favourite vloggers, Alyssa Huntington, she senses that her crush isn't one-sided. Taylor and Jamie are ready to geek out, and Taylor in particular is hoping to meet her all-time favourite author and idol. Suffering from anxiety, being at SupaCon is a big deal for Taylor, and through the people she meets, she realises that she's not alone in the world. And that maybe her feelings for Jamie could lead to more. SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT Author: Meryl Wilsner Trope: W|W Boss/Employee age-gap When Hollywood producer and writer Jo invites her assistant Emma to join her at the SAGG awards, the duo could never have been prepared for the amount of media attention that would follow them after their red carpet walk. There to help be a buffer so Jo didn’t have to discuss her upcoming film project, a photograph of the moment Jo made Emma laugh to calm her down on the red carpet goes viral and the rumours start to spread that the pair are in a relationship. As a closeted lesbian, Jo has never once spoken publicly about her love life and she isn’t about to start now. But with someone from within the production team of Jo’s TV series leaking information to the press, Jo and Emma are soon second-guessing the interactions they have with one another, especially when they start working more closely together as Jo works on her film project and prepares to step away from her TV series. Emma has always admired and looked up to Jo, and she would be lying to herself if she didn’t have a tiny crush on her, but the dynamics of their working relationship, the 14-year age gap between the pair, and the media frenzy surrounding them reminds her of why nothing will ever happen between the two of them, even if there is a spark bubbling under the surface... MISTAKES WERE MADEAuthor: Meryl Wilsner Trope: W|W Friend’s mother age-gap Escaping her university’s Family Weekend to an off-campus bar results in Cassie hooking-up with an older woman in the backseat of a car. Older women are nothing new for Cassie, but hooking up with who she later learns is her friend’s mom, Erin, is. Their connection to one another, and their age gap, should be enough to put an end to any further hook-ups. That’s until Parker invites Cassie home with her for Christmas for two weeks. Now, Cassie and Erin are under the same roof and their chemistry is still undeniable. Soon, they’re sneaking around behind Parker’s back, texting all the time, FaceTiming while they’re cooking dinner, and meeting up whenever they’re in the same neighbourhood. They’re both happier than they’ve ever been, but their relationship has the potential to destroy other relationships around them, but maybe it’s a risk just worth taking. If you read at least one of these books during June, you’ll be having a stellar Pride Month! Be sure to leave some of your favourite queer recommendations in the comments - you can never not have too many LGBTQIA+ books on your TBR!
Have a safe & happy Pride Month! Happy Reading! Victoria :) |
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