Best Lgbt Literary Fiction

of Apr 2025

   In the realm of literature, amidst tales of love, loss, and triumph, there exists a vibrant tapestry of stories that celebrate the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. This genre, known as LGBTQ+ literary fiction, delves into the complexities of identity, relationships, and societal norms, offering readers a profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of queer characters and themes. With its power to provoke thought, challenge perspectives, and foster empathy, LGBTQ+ literary fiction stands as a testament to the diversity and resilience of the human spirit.

We Are Okay

9.2
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We Are Okay is an award-winning and achingly beautiful novel by Nina LaCour that is now available in paperback. With a new foreword by Nicola Yoon, #1 bestselling author of The Sun is Also a Star and ...Everything, Everything, this book has won the Michael L. Printz Award. We Are Okay tells the story of Marin, a young girl who has left everything behind and hasn't spoken to anyone from her old life since that day. Now, months later, she is alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, waiting for her best friend Mabel to visit. When Mabel arrives, Marin will have to confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart. This intimate and poetic novel packs an indelible punch. It is gorgeously crafted and an honest portrayal of grief that will leave readers feeling an urgent need to reach out and reconnect with the people they love. We Are Okay has received many accolades, with reviewers praising it as “beautiful”, “devastating”, “exquisite”, “captivating”, “moving”, “bitter-sweet”, “poetic”, “hopeful” and “deeply real”. If you’re looking for an emotionally powerful and captivating read, We Are Okay is the perfect book for you.

In a Shallow Grave (Valancourt 20th Century Classics)

9.2
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In a Shallow Grave, James Purdy's 1975 masterpiece, is a powerful and moving story of three men and the strange, transformative relationship they share. The novel follows Garnet Montrose, a Vietnam ve...teran who returns home to small-town Virginia with horrific injuries that cause people to become ill at the sight of him. Seeking assistance and companionship in his isolation, Garnet hires two young male caretakers, Quintus and Daventry. Quintus reads books to Garnet, arousing his curiosity and interest, while Daventry awakens in him a powerful and profound love unlike anything he has experienced before. Widely acclaimed by critics during his lifetime and championed by writers such as Gore Vidal, Tennessee Williams, and Jonathan Franzen, James Purdy (1914-2009) is now being rediscovered as a major figure in modern American literature. This long-awaited reissue of In a Shallow Grave (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) features a new introduction by Andrew Schenker, who argues that Purdy “provides a reading experience that is deeper, weirder, and ultimately more satisfying than the offerings of just about any other American novelist.” This haunting and exquisitely written novel is a must-read for fans of modern literature. Purdy's unique style of writing is captivating and his exploration of the complexities of human relationships is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. In a Shallow Grave is a powerful and unforgettable story of love, loss, and hope.

Juliana

9
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Juliana - An LGBT Historical Fiction: Book 1 (The Juliana Series) is an award-winning novel by Vanda that takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of 1940s New York City. The story follow...s Alice “Al” Huffman, a farm girl fresh off the potato farms of Long Island, who is determined to make it on Broadway. When she’s told she has no talent, Al gets a job to pay for acting classes and settles into a normal life with her friends and a boyfriend. All of this changes when she meets Juliana, a singer on the brink of stardom who is everything Al isn’t: glamorous, talented, and queer. Al is quickly enthralled, experiencing thoughts and feelings she never realized were possible. The novel follows Al as she slips between two worlds: the gay underground and the “normal” world of her childhood friends. It’s a balancing act she can handle until the two worlds begin to collide. With a city bursting with change, can Alice find what she was looking for all along? Juliana is a sexy, funny, and deadly serious novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Vanda’s vivid storytelling and captivating characters will draw readers in and leave them wanting more. If you’re looking for a captivating LGBT historical fiction novel, then Juliana is the perfect choice. Buy Juliana today and take the first step in your journey into 1940s New York City!

Ain't Gonna Be the Same Fool Twice: A Novel (Stevie Stevenson)

9
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Ain't Gonna Be the Same Fool Twice: A Novel by Stevie Stevenson is a captivating and inspiring story of self-discovery and liberation. After graduating from college in the tumultuous 1960s, Jean “St...evie” Stevenson embraces the liberating California lifestyle and embarks on a journey of exploration and experimentation. Stevie is determined to spread her wings and discover her true self, from experimenting with free love, gay pride, and vegetarianism to forging a friendship with a gay disco queen and taking a job at the feminist Personal Change Counseling Center. Along the way, she is reminded that the journey to self-discovery likely has no end point. Ain’t Gonna Be the Same Fool Twice is written with the same bright wit and endless charm that made April Sinclair’s debut novel Coffee Will Make You Black so beloved. Stevie’s story is ripely funny, unpretentious, and sincere, and will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

Who You Might Be: A Novel

8.8
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Who You Might Be: A Novel is a captivating and original debut novel that explores the unexpected turns in life that ultimately determine who we become. Written by Leigh N. Gallagher, this novel follow...s four characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Judy and Meghan have lied to their mothers and run away for the weekend, to meet a girl they’ve met in a chat room. Twelve-year-old Cassie travels deep into the Nevada desert to reunite with her real mother at a strange and isolated compound. Caleb, an entitled teenager, is miserable following his family’s move from San Francisco to Ann Arbor—until his graffiti-writing escapades in Detroit, with his faithful little brother in tow, give him a newfound sense of purpose. The story is set in the late nineties, and Gallagher does a masterful job of capturing the nervous thrum of adolescence and the fragility of adulthood. Through the stories of these characters, Gallagher explores the power—and limits—of the narratives that come to define us. Who You Might Be: A Novel is a brilliant and thought-provoking story that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the resilience it takes to determine for ourselves who we might be.

The Sweetness of Water (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

8.8
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The Sweetness of Water is an award-winning novel by Nathan Harris that tells the story of two freedmen brothers, Prentiss and Landry, and the Georgia farmer, George Walker and his wife Isabelle, who t...ake them in. Set in the waning days of the Civil War, the novel follows Prentiss and Landry as they seek refuge and plan to save money for a journey north to reunite with their mother who was sold away. In parallel, the novel follows a forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers whose secret is eventually discovered and leads to a murder that has convulsive repercussions for the entire community. The Sweetness of Water is an instant New York Times bestseller and an Oprah’s Book Club Pick. President Obama has named it one of his favorite books of 2021 and it has won the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction, and the Writers’ League of Texas Book Award for Fiction. It has also been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, the 2022 Carnegie Medal for Excellence, the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and the Crook’s Corner Book Prize. It has been named a Best Book of the Year by Oprah Daily, NPR, Washington Post, Time, Boston Globe, Smithsonian, Chicago Public Library, BookBrowse, and the Oregonian. It has also been named an Indie Next Pick and a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. The Sweetness of Water is a powerful and moving novel that depicts Georgia in the violent crucible of Reconstruction. With candor and sympathy, Harris creates an unforgettable cast of characters and an epic story that finds humanity and love amidst the most harrowing circumstances.

The Married Man: A Novel (Vintage International)

8.6
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The Married Man: A Novel (Vintage International) by Edmund White is a compelling story of love and loss. Austin Smith, an American living in Paris, finds his life transformed when he meets Julien, a y...ounger married Frenchman. As their relationship grows, they face a series of obstacles, including cultural, age, and temperament differences. When the past catches up with them, they embark on a journey to save their health and happiness, traveling from Venice to Key West, Montreal in the snow, and Providence in the rain. The climax of the novel takes place in the Sahara, where their love is pushed to its ultimate crisis. Through this journey, readers will explore the depths of love, the power of relationships, and the strength of human connection. Along the way, they will be moved by the characters’ struggles, and ultimately, their courage in the face of adversity. The Married Man is an emotional and thought-provoking read, and a must-have for any fan of Edmund White’s work. Its powerful story of love and loss will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Briefly, A Delicious Life: A Novel

8.2
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A Delicious Life: A Novel is a captivating and daring debut novel by award-winning writer. It follows the story of Blanca, a teenage ghost who has been lingering in a hilltop monastery since her accid...ental death in 1473. She falls in love with the writer George Sands, who is visiting the village with her two children and her lover Frederic Chopin. The novel is a magical story of unrequited longing and teenage longing as Blanca watches helplessly as George and Chopin find themselves in trouble with the 19th century villagers. It is charming, original and emotionally moving, exploring artistry, desire and life after death. A Delicious Life: A Novel has been named a Cosmopolitan Best Book of Summer and one of BuzzFeed’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Books. It has been praised as an “exquisite…too lovely to bear” (The New York Times Book Review) and a “deeply wild debut” (Cosmopolitan). Readers will be captivated by this beautiful and unique story.

Tender Buttons

8.2
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Tender Buttons is an innovative and groundbreaking work of literature by Gertrude Stein, published in 1914. Stein pushes the boundaries of language and explores words as words, creating a style of wri...ting more akin to painting than literature. She favors verbs and prepositions in unusual combinations and attempts to avoid using nouns, creating an intimate flavor to her words. The book has often been compared to music and Cubist imagery, and is a rewarding sojourn through one of Stein’s most influential works. Tender Buttons has had a huge impact on contemporary literature, and is considered a mentor and guide to the Lost Generation of expatriate American writers, including Hemingway and Fitzgerald. In Tender Buttons, Stein creates a unique and captivating experience for readers. Her experimental techniques and exhilarating prose allow readers to explore the boundaries of language and thought. By recasting life in the city of words, Stein offers readers a truly remarkable journey.

REIMAGINING BEN

9.4
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Reimagining Ben is a hilarious and heartwarming novel that follows the story of George and Jay, two fraternal twin brothers who have been at odds since birth. George is a celebrity biographer who flam...boyantly reinvents his subjects' lives for his readers, while Jay is a librarian and serial apologizer, envious of George's confidence as a gay man. When George arranges for Jay to spend an hour naked in bed with a stranger, Jay embarks on a short, sharp journey of belated self-discovery. The novel is a satirical take on the ways in which art and media, and even our daily interactions, are constantly blurring the line between fiction and fact. It is full of farcically dramatic moments and celebrates the trials and tribulations, triumphs and occasional absurdities of our complex modern-day relationships and lives. Reimagining Ben is a humorous and entertaining character study of two brothers besieged by the preposterous. It contains mature themes and frequent strong language, and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a heartfelt story.

Intersection

9
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Intersection is a thrilling political mystery that combines the action of hit television shows like 24 with the insight and drama found in widely popular LGBT fiction. FBI agent Alexis Toles is dispat...ched to New Rochelle, New York, to investigate threatening letters sent to Congressman Christopher O’Brien and to protect his ex-wife, Cassidy, and six-year-old son, Dylan. But when she gets to New Rochelle, Alex discovers that there is more to the situation than simple stalking or political agendas; she finds that she has growing romantic feelings for Cassidy - and that the feelings are mutual. As Alex and Cassidy explore their budding romance, they must surmount many obstacles in explaining their relationship to those around them, including Dylan. All the while, the investigation continues, and the disturbing, convoluted, and complicated web surrounding the threats begins to unravel, placing the characters’ lives in grave danger. Intersection is a thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is sure to appeal to fans of intrigue, mystery, and romance and to provide positive role models for marginalized groups and relationships.

Olympus Nights on the Square

8.6
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Olympus Nights on the Square is the second book in the Juliana Series, a historical fiction LGBT novel set in 1945 Manhattan. It follows the story of Juliana, a talented singer determined to make it b...ig in the music industry, and her love interest Alice (Al), who is determined to protect Juliana's secret - that she is gay. The novel follows the couple as they navigate the dangerous waters of 1950s Manhattan, where homosexuality is illegal and the gossip columnists are always on the lookout for juicy stories. The novel is full of mobsters, FBI agents, McCarthyism, gay bashing, and the beginning awareness of transgender persons and “cures” for homosexuality. The novel is a thrilling read, full of suspense and drama. It's a story about the power of love and the courage to stand up for what's right, even when it's not easy. It's sexy, funny and deadly serious all at once. If you're looking for an exciting and unique LGBT historical fiction novel, Olympus Nights on the Square is the perfect book for you. You can enter the series at any point, so don't worry if you haven't read the first book in the series. Get your copy today and enjoy the thrilling story of Juliana and Al!

Detransition, Baby: A Novel

8.4
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Detransition, Baby: A Novel is an acclaimed novel that explores the lives of three women – transgender and cisgender – and the unexpected pregnancy that forces them to confront their deepest desir...es. Written by Torrey Peters, this powerful novel has been named one of the Best Books of the Year by more than twenty publications, including The New York Times Book Review, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Time, Vogue, Esquire, Vulture, and Autostraddle. It has also won the PEN/Hemingway Award, and is a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Gotham Book Prize. The novel follows the story of Reese, a trans woman who had almost achieved her dream of mundane, bourgeois comforts – a loving relationship with Amy, an apartment in New York City, and a job she didn't hate. But when Amy detransitioned and became Ames, Reese's life fell apart. Now she is caught in a self-destructive pattern, avoiding her loneliness by sleeping with married men. Ames is not doing much better. He thought detransitioning to live as a man would make life easier, but it cost him his relationship with Reese, and he longs to find a way back to her. When Ames's boss and lover, Katrina, reveals that she is pregnant with his baby, Ames wonders if this is his chance to form a new, unconventional family. Detransition, Baby: A Novel is a bold and thrilling exploration of womanhood and relationships, tackling the most dangerous taboos around gender, sex, and relationships. It is a witty, moving, and deeply thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Plain Bad Heroines: A Novel

8.2
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Plain Bad Heroines: A Novel is an award-winning horror-comedy that combines Victorian sapphic romance, metafictional horror, biting misandrist humor, Hollywood intrigue, and multiple timeliness. Writt...en by the author of The Miseducation of Cameron Post, this highly imaginative and original novel is a wickedly whimsical celebration of the art of storytelling, sapphic love, and the rebellious female spirit. The story begins in 1902, at the Brookhants School for Girls. Flo and Clara, two impressionable students, are obsessed with each other and with a daring young writer named Mary MacLane, the author of a scandalous best-selling memoir. To show their devotion to Mary, the girls establish their own private club and call it the Plain Bad Heroine Society. They meet in secret in a nearby apple orchard, the setting of their wildest happiness and, ultimately, of their macabre deaths. More than a century later, the now-abandoned and crumbling Brookhants is back in the news when wunderkind writer Merritt Emmons publishes a breakout book celebrating the queer, feminist history surrounding the “haunted and cursed” Gilded Age institution. Her best-selling book inspires a controversial horror film adaptation starring celebrity actor and lesbian it girl Harper Harper playing the ill-fated heroine Flo, opposite B-list actress and former child star Audrey Wells as Clara. But as Brookhants opens its gates once again, and our three modern heroines arrive on set to begin filming, past and present become grimly entangled - or perhaps just grimly exploited - and soon it’s impossible to tell where the curse leaves off and Hollywood begins. Plain Bad Heroines is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers captivated from start to finish. With evocative illustrations that are the icing on a deviously delicious cake, this novel has been named a Most Anticipated Book by O, The Oprah Magazine, Buzzfeed, Harper's Bazaar, Vulture, Parade, Popsugar, Bustle, Goodreads, Autostraddle, and Literary Hub.

Cockeyed (A Donald Strachey Mystery)

8
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Cockeyed (A Donald Strachey Mystery) is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the story of Donald Strachey, a private investigator hired to investigate the chaotic life of Hunny 'You go, girl!' Van H...orn, Albany's flamboyant working-class flamer, who has recently won a billion-dollar lottery payout. As Strachey delves deeper into the case, he discovers a variety of secrets and mysteries, some of which are violent in nature. This eleventh Strachey novel is a combination of mystery, comedy, and a serious exploration of the different ways of being gay in America. Cockeyed is a captivating and entertaining read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Strachey's investigation reveals a variety of secrets that will leave readers guessing until the very end. The novel also provides a unique insight into the lives of the LGBT community and how they experience the world. If you're looking for a thrilling mystery novel with a unique twist, then Cockeyed (A Donald Strachey Mystery) is the perfect choice. With its captivating storyline and exploration of the different ways of being gay in America, this novel is sure to keep you entertained until the very end.

Malagash

9.6
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House in the Cerulean Sea

9.4
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Valerie: or, The Faculty of Dreams: A Novel

9.2
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Young Mungo

9
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