The Best Queer Romance Books To Read This Summer!

Pride month may soon be over, but queer stories deserve to be heard and celebrated all year round. And with many sun-soaked days ahead of us, there is truly nothing better than getting lost in a great book. And with stories that celebrate love, identity, and self-discovery, queer literature really has it all. Here are some of our top queer book recommendations for your next great Summer read!

1. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

A Summer romance sounds like a dream, but a Summer romance in Italy – what could be better? Call Me by Your Name is for all those that want to bring Euro-Summer to their backyard. Written by André Aciman, the story is set in the 1980s and follows the innocent 17-year-old Elio, who becomes curious about the enigmatic Oliver, an American grad student staying with his family. It’s a slow burn romance that simmers with heat and hesitation, leaving both characters forever changed. But what makes Call Me by Your Name a truly great novel is Aciman’s writing. Through sensual prose and emotional depth, the book explores desire, identity, and the bittersweet beauty of what it means to feel everything to the fullest. A must-read for the Summer!

2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Staying on the theme of Euro-Summer, The Song of Achilles is a touching fantasy romance novel set amongst the Greek Heroic Age. It is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, whose love for Achilles turns a grand war into a heartbreaking love story. So, if you love queer stories with high emotional stakes, this is your book! While most mythological tales focus on war and heroism, The Song of Achilles puts a deeply personal story at its center that is as intimate as it is epic. Patroclus’s devotion to Achilles is almost addictive to read, turning famous myths into a raw, deeply human queer romance. Madeline Miller wrote a masterpiece with this novel, diving into the themes of fate, identity, and what it means to love someone more than yourself.

3. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Okay, let’s be honest, we all just wanna have a good time during the Summer, right? Well, Boyfriend Material will guarantee that, as it is just as funny as it is smart! It all starts when the semi-famous (and reluctantly so) Luc O’Donnell ends up back in the tabloids. He quickly realizes he needs a clean-cut boyfriend to fix his image. And that’s where Oliver Blackwood comes in – a charming, scandal-free guy that is perfect boyfriend material. All goes well until their fake relationship starts to feel a little too real... Written by the famous Alexis Hall, this book thoughtfully tackles issues like family pressure, personal identity, and the fear of being vulnerable. And with its fresh wit and utter charm, it is the perfect read for Summer!

4. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

You might want to save One Last Stop for August because the main character is called August! She is, 23, cynical, and new to New York, convinced that all the magic and love we see in movies doesn’t actually exist. She definitely doesn’t expect that late-night diner shifts, odd roommates, or her boring subway rides will change any of that. But then she meets Jane – a gorgeous, mysterious girl stuck in time – and suddenly August has to rethink everything she thought she didn’t believe in. This New York Times best-seller by Casey McQuiston is perfect for anyone looking for funny, sexy, slow-burn romance to end your Summer on a sweet and reminiscent note!

Happy reading!