Whether you're looking for romance, heartbreak, humor, or history, these books explore the richness and complexity of LGBTQ+ lives and love stories. Here's a curated list of standout titles...
Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna
Phil is stuck in a dead-end job and falling for his housemate Keith who already has a boyfriend. Meanwhile, his mother Rosaleen is dealing with a cancer diagnosis and is travelling to London to tell Phil. As Saturday night approaches, everything in their lives is going to change forever...
Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth
In the 1990s in the Irish village of Crossmore, Lucy feels out of place. But Lucy begins to understand herself during a long, hot summer when her friendship with Susannah turns into a passionate, secret love affair. She lives in a conservative town so out of fear of rejection from her community, she begins to live a double life, with the most honest parts of herself only being shown to Susannah.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
Rachel, a college student working in a bookstore, meets James Devlin, a self-proclaimed heterosexual, though Rachel has her doubts about that. They quickly become best friends and roommates. However, she becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle involving her best friend James and her married professor. This is a sharp, witty story about friendship, betrayal, and growing up.
Wild Geese by Soula Emmanuel
Phoebe Forde, an Irish trans woman living in Denmark, reconnects with her first (and only) girlfriend, stirring up memories and emotions she thought she’d left behind. A tale centered around complicated feelings, love, and the desire for a fresh start.
Reeling in the Queers by Páraic Kerrigan
Marking 50 years of LGBTQ+ activism in Ireland, this book highlights lesser-known stories beyond decriminalisation and marriage equality. From 1990s boy bands to the AIDS priest Fr Bernárd Lynch, from Belfast’s Lesbian Line to Alternative Miss Ireland, it maps a rich and complex history of queer life on the island using fourteen distinct moments - read an extract here.
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, is forced into a fake friendship with Prince Henry of the UK after a very public mishap. But what starts as a PR stunt soon turns into a secret romance. If you love the enemies-to-lovers trope, then this one is for you.
Perfume & Pain by Anna Dorn
Astrid Dahl, a mid-list author recovering from a minor cancellation, dives into distractions like her perfume collection, romantic entanglements with women, and the writer's room she started, 'Sapphic Scribes'. A quirky, sensual, and satirical look at queer dating and literary life.
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia. Here he is nobody. One day, Achilles, prince of Phthia takes the shamed prince under his wing and soon their tentative connection gives way to a steadfast friendship. This novel explores Patroclus' deepening bond with Achilles as it goes from friendship to forbidden love. It is set against the backdrop of the Trojan war, where destiny and sacrifice become the standout themes.
All That’s Left in the World by Erik J Brown
After a deadly pathogen wipes out most of the population, Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s home, injured, starving, and alone. As the two boys' journey through a devastated world, they must confront their pasts and find the courage to build a future together. There’s so much in the world that’s uncertain, but what they know for sure is that they have an undeniable pull towards one another. Despite the bleak setting, the story is full of humor, heart, and hope.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo decides after living life as a recluse that she is finally ready to reveal the truth about her scandalous life, including a forbidden love story that shaped her. This is a tale of ambition, identity, and the cost of fame.
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Cyrus Shams, a drunk poet, searches for meaning after tragically losing both of his parents. While on his journey of addiction, art and martyrdom, he uncovers truths about his family - and himself.
