LGBTQ Fiction Bestsellers

Red, White & Royal Blue

“Fresh, irreverent, and funny, Red, White & Royal Blue is a delight and a treasure. With subtle jabs, Casey McQuiston pokes fun at both the public face of the British monarchy as well as the back-door politicking that dominates the U.S. political scene. The story follows the self-centered Alex Claremont-Diaz (America’s First Son) and his interactions with British Prince Henry of Wales. As hostility increases between two political scions forced into a sham friendship, we see the framework of political destiny and duty begin to fray. Little by little, hostility turns to something else entirely. This is a story about happiness — and, more importantly, honesty — for those who live their lives in the public eye.”

Todd Ketcham, The Book Cellar

We Set the Dark on Fire

“Tehlor Kay Mejia's imaginative LGBTQ YA debut fantasy starts in mythology and ends in open rebellion. In between she builds a culture we know deeply without knowing at all, and characters trapped in consequences of old choices and trying to invent new ones. While the latter speaks to the novel's appeal to YA readers, the former also pulls in adult fantasy fans. That the story's fantasy world is Latinx adds to its complexity - for some readers this will make the world more haunting in its strangeness while for others it will be more haunting in its familiarity. Kyle Garcia's narration is exactly right. A great summer road trip listen!”

Elliott, Big Blue Marble Bookstore

The House of Impossible Beauties

“Joseph Cassara's debut novel follows the life of Angel, a young transgender woman who goes on to become the "House Mother" of the legendary House of Xtravaganza. Gritty, yet always tender, House of Impossible Beauties explores the 1980's Harlem drag ball scene made famous in Jennie Livingston's documentary Paris is Burning in a way that is humanizing, deeply interesting, and impossible to put down. I was so entranced with this book that I went through it twice: once on the page and once on audio, which might have been an even more interesting experience, simply because narrator Christian Barillas presents a singular performance, uniquely emulating each character in a way that tattoos them indelibly on the mind. A 10/10 listening experience.”

Rachel, The King's English Bookshop

The Heart's Invisible Furies

“This is the novel John Boyne was born to write: A brilliant book of identity and redemption, both heartbreaking and humorous, intimate and expansive. Cyril Avery has been constantly reminded he doesn't belong, first by his adopted parents, then by the church and his country. As we follow him on his journey to acceptance, we are shown the cruelty of fate and the surprising kindness of ordinary people. Boyne perfectly constructs every story told, unveiling the humor and hypocrisy of humanity in each character and illuminating how the arc of Cyril's story is also the arc of modern times. An amazing feat from the first page to the last.”

Luisa Smith, Book Passage

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

“The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee was truly a pleasure to hear! A deliciously dry sense of humor pervades this tale of English landed gentry making a tour of the Continent in the 1800s. However, this is no ordinary tour and these no ordinary lords. Unrequited love among the two male protagonists, a racial twist, parental abuse, maladies with no cures and more pervade this fast paced, adventurous novel complete with highwaymen, dukes, alchemy and pirates (sort of). Impossible to stop listening and extremely entertaining!”

Phyllis, Wellesley Books

Alyssa Cole returns with a fun, sexy romance novella in the Reluctant Royals series!

While her boss the prince was busy wooing his betrothed, Likotsi had her own love affair after swiping right on a dating app. But her romance had ended in heartbreak, and now, back in NYC again, she’s determined to rediscover her joy—so of course she runs into... Read More »

This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story

“This is a perfect summer listen for adults who enjoy YA or older teens. Bird has been recently dumped by his cheating (ex) best-friend-turned-girlfriend and is still pining over her while trying to return to the friendship they both treasured. Amid the first day of school chaos Bird finds out that his childhood best friend (and first crush/kiss!) has returned and now his feelings are all over the place. Oliver-James was rendered deaf by a childhood illness so there is sign language descriptions throughout the book and many scenes made more interesting by the addition of Ollie's way of traveling through a hearing school. Cuteness, artistic creativity realized, make ups, break ups, and all the messiness in between. My favorite part of the book, however, is how the sexuality of the characters is handled. Bird floats from a girlfriend to a boyfriend with no comment or angst, his girlfriend cheats and then dates another girl without wondering if she's bi or pan or gay. Ashley asks Bird to ask Oliver James if he is interested in her even knowing he has a boyfriend because not everyone dates just one person. The full spectrum of sexuality is treated as a non-issue. No one is judged, no one has to grapple with what it all MEANS. It's a beautiful world in which we are all just trying to find ourselves and each other.”

Genavieve, Books & Company

"Well-paced, brimming with drama, and utterly vital."—Kirkus (starred review)

This charming and bittersweet coming-of-age story featuring two girls of color falling in love is part To All the Boys I've Loved Before and part Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature!

Sixteen-year-old Sana Kiyohara... Read More »

The Dangerous Art of Blending In

“I've just finished listening to this coming-of-age story about a high schooler coming to terms with his sexuality amidst a troubling family life, and I loved it. Despite heavy subject matter, the author manages to weave in enough humor and heart to keep things light. I absolutely would have loved to have a book like this around when I was in high school. These stories are important for our young people!”

John, Buxton Books

A love story set in two countries in two radically different moments in time, bringing together a young man, his mother, a boa constrictor, and one capricious cat.
 
In 1980s Yugoslavia, a young Muslim girl is married off to a man she hardly knows, but what was meant to be a happy match goes quickly wrong. Soon thereafter her country is torn apart... Read More »