Pride Month is a celebration of love in all its forms, a reminder of the beauty and strength found in diversity, and a call to honor the rich tapestry of identities that make us whole. In the realm of fantasy and paranormal romance, where anything is possible, these stories provide fertile ground for exploring queer love. These genres are uniquely equipped to weave tales of identity, resilience, and connection, set against backdrops of sweeping magic, political intrigue, and otherworldly adventure. With their limitless potential, these stories elevate LGBTQ+ relationships into the realm of the extraordinary, showcasing how love, unrestrained by societal norms or physical boundaries, transcends all.
From the fiery passion of enemies-to-lovers arcs to the quiet, tender journeys of self-discovery, fantasy and paranormal romance center queer characters in stories of courage, vulnerability, and joy. These tales aren’t just romances; they’re triumphs of representation, reminders that every person deserves to see their experiences reflected in powerful narratives. This Pride Month, immerse yourself in six unforgettable books that not only feature queer love but make it the heartbeat of their extraordinary worlds.
THE JASMINE THRONE
Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne is a sweeping epic that combines lush, South Asian-inspired worldbuilding with a slow-burn sapphic romance. Malini, a princess imprisoned for her defiance, and Priya, a maid with forbidden magic, are drawn together by mutual need and simmering attraction. Their romance is tender, complicated, and full of moments that feel both intimate and monumental. As political intrigue threatens to tear their world apart, the bond between these two women grows, providing strength, passion, and heartbreak in equal measure.
THE JASMINE THRONE has an incredibly intricate blend of romance and rebellion, and it’s just a joy to read. Malini and Priya’s relationship is a masterclass in emotional depth, with every glance and conversation charged with unspoken meaning. Suri explores themes of agency, loyalty, and power while never losing sight of the deeply personal connection that drives the narrative. This is a love story for readers who appreciate rich, immersive storytelling and characters with razor-sharp edges.
IN THE VANISHERS’ PALACE
Imagine Beauty and the Beast, but darker, stranger, and wholly unique. Aliette de Bodard’s In the Vanishers’ Palace transforms this familiar tale into a sapphic romance steeped in myth and melancholy. Yên, a young healer, is taken as payment by Vu Côn, a shape-shifting dragon living in a decaying palace. Together, they navigate themes of consent, trauma, and trust in a relationship that challenges both their vulnerabilities and their perceptions of love.
De Bodard’s lyrical prose imbues every scene with a sense of otherworldly wonder, and the romance between Yên and Vu Côn feels both inevitable and deeply tender. This is a hauntingly beautiful story for readers who like their fairy tales with a darker edge and it’s a story that will keep you turning the page right up until the very last one.
THE HIGH KING’S GOLDEN TONGUE
This is a captivating tale of courtly politics, danger, and romance. When Prince Allen is sent to marry the stoic High King Sarrica, he’s met with indifference and rejection. But Allen’s determination to prove his worth soon sparks a romance that’s as heartfelt as it is hard-earned. Their relationship grows through moments of tension, trust, and vulnerability, creating a slow-burn love story that feels both satisfying and deeply authentic.
This book stands out for its delightful balance of high-stakes action and tender emotional beats. Derr’s worldbuilding is rich, filled with intrigue and nuance, while her characters are wonderfully layered. Allen’s journey from underestimated diplomat to beloved consort is both inspiring and the heart of the story lies in its characters’ journey from mistrust to devotion. Brimming with warmth, wit, and heartfelt moments, this is the kind of feel-good queer fantasy romance that leaves you smiling long after the last page. This a must-read for fans of queer fantasy romance.
CAPTIVE PRINCE
Few books have sparked as much conversation as C.S. Pacat’s Captive Prince. It’s dark, daring and unapologetically bold and the series defies convention. This series is known for its black, complex narrative and the tumultuous relationship between Damen, a prince enslaved by his enemies, and Laurent, the icy heir to the throne. Their romance unfolds slowly, built on a foundation of mistrust, political intrigue, and undeniable chemistry. Though the series tackles heavy themes, its central love story is a masterful portrayal of two men finding common ground and, eventually, love in the most unlikely of circumstances.
What makes Captive Prince remarkable is its unflinching exploration of power, vulnerability, and consent. Pacat’s writing is sharp and precise, with every word contributing to the tension and emotional depth of the story. This is a romance for readers who crave complexity and aren’t afraid to venture into morally gray territory, and it’s definitely one I’ll read again.
A BETRAYAL OF STORMS: REALM OF FEY
This is the first in a magical series about fey courts, dangerous secrets, and forbidden love. At its heart is a romance between two men, one of whom is destined to rule while the other carries a dangerous curse. Their relationship is filled with longing, sacrifice, and moments of heart-stopping beauty, making it a standout in the realm of queer fantasy. Alderson’s writing captures the whimsy and peril of the fey world, creating a setting that’s as enchanting as the love story itself.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy lush worldbuilding and the kind of romance that feels like destiny. Alderson’s characters are flawed, relatable, and deeply human, even amidst their magical surroundings. Their love story is one of hope and defiance, proving that even in the face of overwhelming odds, love can endure. I also love the prose in this book and I ordered book two and three as soon as I got to the end of the first instalment.
PETER DARLING
Austin Chant’s Peter Darling is a queer retelling of Peter Pan that reimagines the story as a love affair between Peter and Captain Hook. Returning to Neverland as an adult, Peter grapples with his identity and his complicated feelings for the man who was once his enemy. Their romance is tender, raw, and beautifully written, exploring themes of gender, self-acceptance, and the complexities of love.
What I love about Peter Darling is its ability to take a familiar tale and infuse it with fresh meaning. Chant’s writing is poetic and evocative, drawing readers into a world that feels both nostalgic and new. Peter and Hook’s relationship is layered with tension and vulnerability, making it a deeply satisfying read for fans of queer romance and retellings.
These stories don’t just include queer love—they celebrate it in all its multifaceted glory, offering readers a vibrant tapestry of representation, resilience, and romance. Within these pages, love defies societal norms, transcends worlds, and redefines what it means to belong. Each relationship is a testament to the strength of connection: the quiet moments of vulnerability, the fiery battles for acceptance, and the courage it takes to choose love, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pride Month reminds us that every love story deserves a place in the spotlight, and these books prove that fantasy and paranormal romance are fertile ground for exploring the rich spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences. They bring depth and complexity to characters who are often sidelined, placing them at the heart of breathtaking adventures and epic quests. As we lose ourselves in these stories, we celebrate not only love in its many forms but also the power of storytelling to bridge gaps, ignite hope, and forge paths forward.
This Pride Month, let these books be your companions on journeys of self-discovery, your guides to magical worlds, and your reminders that love is the most extraordinary magic of all.
CJ Holmes writes paranormal and fantasy romances with sizzlingly hot heroes and strong, sassy women. Her first two series have reached the top ten category bestseller lists on Amazon and she has recently signed a four-book deal with City Owl Press. You can expect a strong dash of dry British humor, enough action and adventure to keep you turning the pages, and spice that might be too hot to read in public.
You’ll find CJ hanging out in one of her local cafes or walking somewhere in the UK countryside, invariably inappropriately dressed for the weather. If she isn’t there, she’ll be in a bookshop adding to her TBR list and book collection, and she considers herself fortunate that her husband is also an avid reader.
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