Welcome to your next favorite book list, the queer romantasy edition. Whether you're here for slow burn sapphic yearning, chaotic bisexual necromancers, or tender M/M rivals to lovers magic, this list celebrates the many beautiful ways queerness and fantasy collide.

In honor of Pride Month, I've rounded up some of the best LGBTQ+ romantasy reads out there. These stories feature queer main characters navigating love, magic, and identity, all while fighting monsters, unraveling curses, or making deals with dragons. You'll find standalone gems, steamy series, and books that will break your heart in the best possible way.

No matter what kind of queer magic you're into, there's something here that'll cast a spell on you.

What is queer / LGBTQ+ romantasy?

Queer romantasy blends the excitement of fantasy worlds rich with magic, dragons, and daring quests with romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters at its heart. These books celebrate diverse identities, love stories, and adventures that highlight queer voices and experiences.

1. Blood & Brujas by Mikayla D. Hornedo

front cover of blood and brujas

Dayanara has been a weapon her whole life. She was raised by her powerful mother, the Acna of Caldera, to fight in a war that's lasted centuries. When her mother arranges a magically bound marriage to a vampire king as a peace offering, Dayanara is forced to decide whether to kill, seduce, or embrace her new fate. But the path to power is never easy, especially when unexpected feelings and dangerous secrets threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew.

Why you should read this: 

If you love morally complex heroines, queer identity woven into lush fantasy politics, and enemies to lovers vibes with sharp teeth, this one's for you. 

Bonus: the sequel is already out, so you won't be left hanging.

Fate of the Acna reading order:
  1. Blood & Brujas
  2. Air & Essence
Grab your copy

2. Evocation by S.T. Gibson

front cover of evocation

David Aristarkhov is a high powered attorney with a secret past. He's also a powerful psychic raised under the shadow of his occultist father. When the Devil comes calling to collect on an ancestral deal, David has no choice but to seek help from the last person he ever expected, his ex-boyfriend Rhys. Things get even messier when Rhys's wife, Moira, is pulled into their desperate mission to save David's soul and maybe sort out the feelings that never really went away.

Why you should read this: 

This is a dark, sensual queer love triangle with vibes of Succession meets Ninth House all wrapped in an occult tinged plot full of angst, exes, and the literal Devil. A must read for fans of polyamorous tension and messy, magical drama.

The Summoner's Circle reading order:
  1. Evocation
  2. Ascension
Grab your copy

3. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

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In a world inspired by pre-Columbian mythology, celestial prophecy collides with political unrest as a blind and scarred man, Serapio, sails toward the holy city of Tova on the day of an eclipse. His fate is entwined with Xiala, a Teek sea captain whose song magic makes her as dangerous as she is unpredictable. But neither of them are prepared for what awaits when gods, power, and prophecy converge.

Why you should read this: 

This is epic queer fantasy at its finest. Richly diverse, sharply written, and filled with complex characters navigating fate, magic, and identity. Xiala's queerness is beautifully normalized, and the worldbuilding is absolutely stunning.

Between Earth and Sky reading order:
  1. Black Sun
  2. Fevered Star
  3. Mirrored Heavens
Grab your copy

4. Swordcrossed by Freya Marske

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Matti needs a swordsman to pose as his best man for an arranged marriage ceremony. What he gets is Luca, a con artist with charm, secrets, and a knack for trouble. What starts as a simple contract turns into sword lessons, sabotage, and simmering attraction. But with Matti's house on the brink of ruin and Luca's past catching up, love might be the most dangerous game of all.

Why you should read this: 

Spicy, low stakes, and queer, this is the cozy fantasy romance you've been waiting for. If you liked Legends & Lattes but wished for more spice and swordplay (literal and otherwise), don't skip this one.

Grab your copy

5. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

front cover of the house in the cerulean sea

Linus Baker leads a quiet, rule-following life until he's sent on a top secret mission to evaluate a mysterious orphanage filled with magical (and potentially world ending) children. There he meets Arthur, the children's fiercely protective caretaker. As Linus grows closer to Arthur and the children, he's forced to question everything he thought he knew about rules, love, and what makes a family.

Why you should read this: 

Wholesome, queer, and full of heart, this is the book that feels like a warm hug. It's a gentle love story wrapped in quirky magic and sharp commentary about found family and acceptance. An absolute must read for fans of feel good fantasy.

Cerulean Chronicles reading order:
  1. The House in the Cerulean Sea
  2. Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Grab your copy

6. Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater

front cover of small miracles

Gadriel is a fallen angel with a penchant for petty temptations and a serious gambling problem. To pay off her debts, she's tasked with tempting the sinless mortal Holly Harker into doing something, anything, for herself. But Holly is stubbornly kind, and Gadriel's attempts (including kitten form) are hilariously ineffective. As Gadriel's mission spirals, she realizes she might need to perform a few actual miracles and that maybe, just maybe, she's the one who's about to be changed.

Why you should read this: 

It's queer, cozy, and utterly charming, like Good Omens with more chocolate and softness. You'll fall in love with the sweet, subtle romance, chaotic angel antics, and heartwarming message about self worth and kindness.

Grab your copy

7. A Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson

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Constanta was saved from death and turned into Dracula's bride. At first, eternal love seems like a gift, but over time, that love curdles into control. When her vampire husband draws more into his web of seduction and lies, Constanta must confront the truth. He may be immortal, but he's also a monster. What follows is a poetic, polyamorous, and gorgeously gothic story of reclaiming power and freedom.

Why you should read this: 

This sapphic and polyamorous reimagining of Dracula's brides is everything, haunting, seductive, and emotionally resonant. If you like your romantasy with gothic vibes, lyrical prose, and themes of empowerment, this one's unmissable.

Grab your copy

8. A Rival Most Vial by R.K. Ashwick

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Ambrose Beake, a stoic half elf potion master, has his quiet life turned upside down when a charming new rival named Eli opens a potion shop right across the street. What begins as a war of price tags and passive aggressive signage soon becomes something much more complicated when the mayor forces the two to collaborate on a magical commission. Tension brews, potions bubble, and sparks fly.

Why you should read this: 

An absolute treat for fans of rivals to lovers, cozy vibes, and slow burn M/M romance with a dash of magical hijinks. Think Schitt's Creek meets Legends & Lattes but with potions and palpable pining.

The Side Quest Row reading order:
  1. A Rival Most Vial
  2. A Captured Cauldron
Grab your copy

9. The Knight and the Necromancer by A.H. Lee

front cover of the knight and the necromancer

Prince Roland, recently returned from war, is ready to enjoy a quiet night at his favorite tavern and maybe flirt with a stranger. He definitely doesn't expect that stranger to be a necromancer, let alone the same one he's supposed to negotiate with the next day. As magic, politics, and chemistry collide, Roland and Sairis must work together to avoid destruction and maybe find love along the way.

Why you should read this: 

This is classic fantasy with a romantic M/M twist, featuring an emotionally closed off necromancer, a chivalrous prince, and all the steamy, slow burn tension your heart desires. Plus, it's a full trilogy with a satisfying HEA.

The Knight and the Necromancer reading order:
  1. The Knight and the Necromancer: The Capital
  2. The Knight and the Necromancer: The Border
  3. The Knight and the Necromancer: The Sea
Grab your copy

10. Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell

front cover of oak king holly king

Legendary fae warrior Shrike is named the Oak King, a ritual role that usually ends in death. To survive, he needs the help of Wren Lofthouse, a mild mannered Victorian clerk who doesn't believe in magic until a brooding brute shows up in his office claiming destiny. As Wren is swept into a world of arcane rites and wild hunts, he and Shrike must navigate both fae politics and their growing bond.

Why you should read this: 

If you love fae romance, opposites attract, and a mortal meets magic setup, this queer fantasy will sweep you away. Wren and Shrike's romance is tender, fated, and full of tension.

Oak King Holly King reading order:
  1. Oak King Holly King
  2. Tales from Blackthorn Briar
Grab your copy

11. Scars Like Wings by Chelsea J. Leon

front cover of scars like wings

Byrd Pierce has rebuilt her life after losing her mother. She's got her dream job at a magical library, amazing supernatural besties, and now maybe a girlfriend? But when her new love interest, Quinn, comments on a mysterious tattoo Byrd doesn't have, everything changes. Secrets from her past resurface including a message in her mother's handwriting only Byrd can read. As magic and mystery entwine, Byrd must decide how far she'll go to uncover the truth and protect the people she loves.

Why you should read this: 

Spicy sapphic romance meets magical library vibes and fated mates in this twisty paranormal mystery. Byrd is a curvy, confident heroine you'll root for, and the story balances found family, grief, and queer joy with sharp wit and emotional depth.

The Crystal Dragon reading order:
  1. Scars Like Wings
  2. Memories Like Fangs
Grab your copy

12. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

front cover of gideon the ninth

Gideon Nav has two goals. Escape her creepy bone cult and never see her childhood nemesis again. Unfortunately, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, necromancer princess of doom, has other plans. When they're forced into a deadly trial among the galaxy's most powerful necromancers, Gideon must team up with Harrow if either of them hopes to survive. Skeletons, swordplay, and sapphic chaos ensue.

Why you should read this: 

Lesbian necromancers in space. That's it. That's the pitch. Wildly original, wickedly funny, and packed with heartbreak and sword fights, this cult favorite queer sci-fantasy is a must read for fans of messy protagonists and unhinged worldbuilding.

The Locked Tomb reading order:
  1. Gideon the Ninth
  2. Harrow the Ninth
  3. Nona the Ninth
Grab your copy

13. The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

front cover of the spear cuts through water

Jun and Keema never expected to become companions to a dying god. But as war brews and tyrants cling to power, the two must journey across a broken world in a desperate attempt to end a brutal empire. Their path is dangerous and poetic, full of fractured memories, divine magic, and a love story that pulses through every line.

Why you should read this:

This is queer epic fantasy at its most literary and experimental. A sweeping, lyrical tale of resistance, destiny, and queer love. If you like stories that break the rules and leave you changed, this one's unforgettable.

Grab your copy

14. Prince and Assassin by Tavia Lark

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Whisper is an assassin raised by a cruel guild, sent to infiltrate the court of Prince Julien to protect him, then kill him. But Julien, clever and kind beneath his rakish charm, begins to break down Whisper's walls. As trust turns to attraction, Whisper must face the impossible, completing his mission or choosing love, knowing failure means a fate worse than death.

Why you should read this: 

It's angsty, tender, and full of forbidden yearning, everything you want from an M/M romantasy. Add in secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a magic tiger, and you've got a recipe for emotional devastation (and satisfaction).

Perilous Courts reading order:
  1. Prince and Assassin
  2. Prince in Disguise
  3. Prince and Pawn
  4. Prince and Bodyguard
  5. Prince and Betrothed
  6. Prince of Agony
Grab your copy

15. Corin and the Courtier by Eliot Grayson

front cover of corin and the courtier

Aster flees an unwanted marriage and seeks protection from the one man who might say yes, Corin, a disgraced dragon knight and his long time (very repressed) crush. With only one bed and a bounty on Aster's head, things heat up quickly. But to claim a real future, they'll have to fight for it, both in the arena and in their hearts.

Why you should read this: 

This one's spicy, silly, and full of emotional payoff. With classic "grumpy recluse meets sunshine runaway" energy, this M/M fantasy romance is pure fun with dragons, duels, and a healthy dose of dirty talk.

Beautiful Beasts reading order:
  1. Corin the Courtier
  2. Deven and the Dragon
Grab your copy

16. Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

front cover of crown of feathers

Veronyka dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider, just like the heroes of old. But after a betrayal by her sister, she disguises herself as a boy to join their secret ranks. As war looms and ancient rivalries spark to life, Veronyka discovers her story is more entwined with the Riders' legacy than she ever imagined and that power, love, and identity all come at a cost.

Why you should read this: 

This series brings fierce sisterhood, slow burn romance, and gender exploration to a phoenix filled fantasy world. With themes of identity, found family, and rebellion, it's a gripping ride from start to finish.

Crown of Feathers reading order:
  1. Crown of Feathers
  2. Heart of Flames
  3. Wings of Shadow
Grab your copy

17. Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs

front cover of phantom and rook

Arlo Rook is a chaos loving hedge witch trying (again) to leave home and start fresh. Thatch Phantom is a bored immortal who's thrown his city into a festival long scavenger hunt, promising one wish to anyone who discovers his true identity. When Arlo and Thatch collide, sparks fly along with apothecary ingredients and magical mishaps and the past neither of them remembers might be more connected than they think.

Why you should read this: 

A soft, whimsical M/M romance that blends magical scavenger hunts, fated mates, and soulmarks with big cozy energy. Come for the witty banter, stay for the heart melting slow burn and emotional payoff.

Adventures in Levena reading order:
  1. Phantom and Rook
  2. Matsdotter and Adrastus
Grab your copy

18. Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha

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Every hundred years, a mortal heir is sent to serve the dragon god who guards the Sheltered Lands. Sachi, trained to seduce and kill, has five weeks to assassinate the Dragon but things get complicated when she and her bodyguard Zanya begin to fall for him instead. As secrets unravel and tension ignites, the three must decide what they're willing to risk for love, power, and survival.

Why you should read this: 

A fiery, queer polyam romance with dragons, assassination plots, and impossible choices. If you love morally gray heroines, steamy triads, and high fantasy with spice, this book absolutely delivers.

Bound to Fire and Steel reading order:
  1. Consort of Fire
  2. Queen of Dreams
Grab your copy

19. A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland

front cover of a sweet sting of salt

Jean is a midwife in a stormy coastal village, where her quiet life is upended by the arrival of Muirin, a mysterious woman giving birth during a tempest. As Jean is drawn into Muirin's secrets and her uneasy marriage to a suspicious man, feelings bloom. But the truth hiding beneath the waves may be darker than any folktale.

Why you should read this: 

It's a sapphic selkie retelling full of longing, mystery, and maritime magic. With lush prose, haunting atmosphere, and a love story that defies the tide, this one's perfect for fans of folklore and slow burn romance.

Grab your copy

20. A Rake of His Own by A.J. Lancaster

front cover of a rake of his own

Marius just wants to garden in peace, not deal with fae politics or (ugh) shirtless princes bleeding on his paperwork. But when Prince Rakken reappears in his life, tangled in a murder mystery and full of dramatics, Marius is dragged into a magical investigation and an unexpected second chance romance.

Why you should read this: 

A delightful M/M gaslamp fantasy with dry humor, sexual tension, and a botanist who's so done with his chaotic ex. If you love reluctant allies, fae drama, and prickly softies falling in love, this one's got you covered.

Stariel reading order:
  1. The Lord of Stariel
  2. The Prince of Secrets
  3. The Court of Mortals
  4. The King of Faerie
  5. A Rake of His Own (mm romantasy, can be read as a standalone)
Grab your copy

21. The Curse of Broken Shadows by Laura Winter

front cover of the curse of broken shadows

Brela is an assassin infected with forbidden shadow magic, hiding a Veil shard embedded in her collarbone and a dagger passed down through her people. Captain Cason, her enemies to lovers foil, is hiding cursed gods blessed powers of his own. Forced to work together as the magical wall between realms begins to crumble, their unlikely alliance could be the only thing that saves the world or destroys it.

Why you should read this: 

This fast paced romantasy is a whirlwind of shadow magic, mutual pining, and high stakes adventure. Come for the knives, stay for the enemies to lovers chaos, found family feels, and spicy slow burn between two very damaged souls.

Smoke and Shadow reading order:
  1. The Curse of Broken Shadows
  2. The Bones of Crystal Sand
  3. The Wings of Shattered Fire
  4. The Blade of Severed Bonds
  5. The Crown of Fractured Darkness
Grab your copy

22. In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

front cover of in other lands

When smart, sarcastic 13 year old Elliot discovers a portal to the Borderlands, he jumps at the chance to live among mermaids, elves, and magical chaos. School there involves more weapons training than he expected, but there's also Serene, a beautiful elven warrior, and Luke, her annoyingly perfect (and very huggable) human bestie. As Elliot grows up across four magical years, he learns about diplomacy, found family, and his own place in a world that constantly surprises him.

Why you should read this: 

This queer coming of age story is both hilarious and heartfelt, filled with dry humor, bisexual rep, and one of the best slow burn character arcs you'll ever read. Think Percy Jackson meets Carry On with a healthy dash of chaotic Gen Z energy.

Grab your copy

23. Of Blood and Aether by Harper Hawthorne

front cover for of blood and aether

Arken is a rare conduit of Light trying to unlock the truth behind her dangerous arcane gifts. Kieran is the spymaster with shadowy magic and emotional walls who can't stay away. When they're thrust together by fate and prophecy, sparks fly and secrets unravel, setting them on a collision course with destiny, gods, and each other.

Why you should read this: 

A steamy, character driven romantasy full of angst, prophecy, and sizzling banter. Queer rep, forbidden magic, and soul deep yearning? Sign me up. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and slow burn tension with a bite.

Grab your copy

24. Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

front cover of voyage of the damned

Ganymedes has no magical Blessing, no respect, and no idea why he's on the emperor's sacred cruise with the heirs of every province. But when a murder turns the ship into a floating whodunnit, he'll have to use all his charm and wit to survive, especially with powerful heirs and killer secrets surrounding him. And maybe, along the way, he'll become the hero nobody saw coming.

Why you should read this: 

This is a locked room mystery on a magical boat with queer rep, found family, and a cinnamon roll disaster protagonist you'll want to protect at all costs. Come for the murder, stay for the heart.

Grab your copy

25. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

front cover of sorcery of thorns

Elisabeth has always believed sorcerers are evil and magical grimoires are meant to be locked away. But when sabotage releases a deadly book, Elisabeth is framed and forced to team up with Nathaniel Thorn, a charming (and definitely suspicious) sorcerer. As secrets unravel and a dark conspiracy threatens their world, Elisabeth discovers she might be more powerful and more connected to Nathaniel and his demon companion than she ever imagined.

Why you should read this: 

Queer characters, magical libraries, and a swoon worthy romance wrapped in a story that's both cozy and thrilling. Bonus points for Silas, the mysterious demon you'll probably fall in love with.

Grab your copy

26. The Lost Story by Meg Schafer

front cover of the lost story

As boys, Jeremy and Rafe disappeared into a mysterious forest and returned six months later with no memory of where they'd been. Now adults, Rafe is a reclusive artist, and Jeremy is a famed investigator of missing persons. When another girl vanishes in the same forest, the two must return to the magical world they once escaped and confront the love and trauma they buried long ago.

Why you should read this: 

A queer portal fantasy full of emotional depth, found family, and bittersweet magic. This is Narnia for grown ups with complicated relationships, second chances, and a love story rooted in healing.

Grab your copy

27. Initiation by Alethea Faust

front cover of initiation

Dominai is a poor hunter with latent magical lineage, invited to study at the Crux where magic is powered not just by spells, but by sex, desire, and trust. Under the guidance of powerful, kink positive wizards, Dom must come to terms with his own desires, forge connections, and learn how pleasure and power intertwine. But when that trust is shattered, Dom must step into a leadership role he never expected.

Why you should read this: 

This sex positive, queer, and inclusive fantasy leans hard into kink as magic and does it with emotional intelligence and heart. Featuring pansexual and nonbinary rep, mature characters, and a refreshing take on magical academia.

Sex Wizards reading order:
  1. Initiation
  2. Mastery
  3. Championship
  4. Odyssey
Grab your copy

28. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

front cover of iron widow

Zetian signs up to be a concubine pilot in a world where girls die to power mechas, only she has other plans. When she kills the boy responsible for her sister's death, she becomes an Iron Widow, a pilot who can bend the system to her will. Paired with the infamous Li Shimin, she sets her sights on changing the rules, smashing the patriarchy, and maybe falling into a fierce polyam relationship along the way.

Why you should read this: 

A rage filled, feminist sci-fi/fantasy with a queer love triangle, battles, and righteous vengeance. It's bold, bloody, and gloriously bisexual. If you liked The Hunger Games but wanted it way gayer and more unhinged, this is it.

Iron Widow reading order:
  1. Iron Widow
  2. Heavenly Tyrant
Grab your copy

29. Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

front cover of sorcery and small magics

Leo is a chaotic sorcerer who specializes in harmless charms until a forbidden spell goes wrong and binds him to his long time rival, the uptight Sebastian Grimm. Now cursed to obey Grimm's commands, Leo must journey into a monster infested forest to find a counterspell. But as the two bicker and banter their way through magical mayhem, something unexpected grows between them.

Why you should read this: 

An enchanting M/M rivals to lovers romance with cozy vibes, magical hijinks, and so much chemistry you could bottle it.

Grab your copy

30. Best Knight Ever by Cassandra Gannon

front cover of best knight ever

Trystan and Galahad were once sworn enemies on the battlefield. Now they're reluctant allies on a quest to find a legendary treasure. But between ancient temples, leprechauns, and lots of unresolved tension, their partnership turns steamy fast. With the fate of the realm at stake and their feelings heating up, they'll have to decide what truly matters, glory or each other.

Why you should read this: 

This one's epic, spicy, and full of fun tropes like fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and second chances. It's like an M/M fairy tale with banter, danger, and a big romantic heart.

Grab your copy

31. A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair

front cover of a broken blade

Keera is the King's Blade, a deadly assassin with a shattered past and secrets she keeps buried. When she's sent to hunt a rebel known as the Shadow, her journey leads her deep into Faeland, where everything is not as it seems. As she uncovers the truth about her people, her enemy, and herself, Keera must choose between vengeance and justice and maybe something softer, too.

Why you should read this: 

A sharp sapphic romantasy full of action, angst, and betrayal. Keera's journey is brutal and beautiful, and the queerness is seamlessly integrated into a rich fantasy world. Think Throne of Glass with more gay yearning and sharper knives.

The Halfling Sage reading order:
  1. A Broken Blade
  2. A Shadow Crown
  3. A Vicious Game
  4. An Honored Vow
Grab your copy

32. Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

front cover of five broken blades

Five deadly liars are tasked with one goal to assassinate the God King. Each carries their own trauma, secrets, and motivations, but only one can take the throne when the job is done. As their plans unfold and feelings tangle, alliances blur and betrayals cut deep. Because in a world of killers and crowns, trust might be the deadliest weapon of all.

Why you should read this: 

This one is queer Six of Crows energy, with betrayal, tension, and slow burning chemistry in every corner. Dark, twisty, and utterly bingeable if you love morally gray queers with knives, welcome home.

The Broken Blades reading order:
  1. Five Broken Blades
  2. Four Ruined Realms
  3. Three Shattered Souls
Grab your copy

Where magic meets love and chaos

If you're like me, there's nothing better than curling up with a romantasy full of magic, longing, and characters who make your heart hurt in the best way. This list is just the beginning! There's a whole universe of queer fantasy out there waiting for you.

Let's chat about our favorite books

Got a favorite LGBTQ+ romantasy book I didn't include? Come chat with me on Instagram or Threads @read.romantasy. My DMs are always open and I'm always adding to my list (and my dangerously high TBR pile).

Posted 
June 25, 2025
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