Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to dive into some amazing queer reads! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or chilling in your favorite cozy spot, we’ve got the perfect list of books to keep you entertained all season long.
This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.
27 Most Anticipated 2024 Queer Summer Books
From heartwarming romances to thrilling adventures, these 2024 queer summer books celebrate diverse voices and stories that will captivate you from start to finish. Get ready to add some incredible reads to your summer TBR and embrace the joy, love, and excitement of queer literature. Let’s make this a summer to remember with these must-read 2024 LGBTQ summer releases!
Table of Contents
2024 Sapphic Summer Releases
A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee
A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee takes us to London, 1885, where Jo Smith navigates a life of intrigue and passion. Jo, a lesbian in a lavender marriage, runs a bookshop and mingles in underground clubs. Her stable life is disrupted when her husband’s pregnant paramour needs discreet medical help. Enter Dr. Emily Clarke, a reserved bluestocking from a quaint village hospital. Despite her reservations, Emily is drawn to Jo’s daring world. As their lives intertwine, they must decide if their intense desire can bridge the gap between their vastly different worlds.
Release: June 4, 2024
The Ride of Her Life by Jennifer Dugan
The Ride of Her Life by Jennifer Dugan is an irresistible enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine queer romcom. Molly McDaniel, struggling with multiple jobs and crushing student loans, unexpectedly inherits a run-down horse barn from her estranged late aunt. With dreams of starting a wedding planning business slipping away, Molly considers selling the barn for seed money. Enter Shani, the hot, judgmental farrier who cared for Mollyโs aunt. Shani believes in saving the barn, despite her grouchy exterior. As Molly becomes more involved, she starts to see the barnโand Shaniโin a new light. But pursuing her heart might mean risking her future. This charming romance is perfect for fans of Delilah Green Doesnโt Care.
Release: May 28, 2024
Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin
Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin is a fun, heartwarming rom-com about rivals stuck together at summer camp. Juliette and Priya have an unspoken truce to survive their small-town livesโno drama, no gossip, just mutual avoidance. Priya, the popular girl, has it all during the school year, while Juliette owns the summer at Fogridge Sleepaway Camp. But when Priya shows up as her cabinmate, Julietteโs plans are ruined. Determined to enjoy her final summer, Juliette must tolerate her rival. As everything goes wrong, Juliette risks losing her beloved camp unless she can find common ground with Priya.
Release: June 4, 2024
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White
The Lucy Undying by Kiersten White is an epic and seductive gothic fantasy that reimagines the story of Lucy Westenra, one of Draculaโs first victims. After escaping Draculaโs clutches, Lucy has spent her immortal life searching for self-discovery and true love. In twenty-first-century London, she meets Iris, a woman also yearning to break free from her past. As their connection grows, so does the danger around them. Irisโs family harbors sinister secrets, and Dracula is on the prowl again. Despite her tragic past and undead life, Lucy finds herself drawn to Iris, but can she find the strength to finally destroy Dracula and claim her happiness?
Release: September 10, 2024
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne is a cozy fantasy with a touch of sapphic romance. Reyna, a Queenโs guard, and Kianthe, a powerful mage, dream of opening a bookshop and serving tea. Tired of their dangerous lives, they seize the chance to escape after an assassination attempt. They settle in the quaint town of Tawney, near dragon country, and create their dream shop. But their peaceful life is threatened by a vengeful queen. Amidst mishaps and mysteries, Reyna and Kianthe discover the depth of their love and what they truly mean to each other. Perfect for a comforting, magical escape.
Release: May 7, 2024
Between Salt & Serenades by Marissa Serrao
Between Salt & Serenades by Marissa Serrao is a whimsical romantasy filled with banter, cucumber sandwiches, and quirky sea magic. Part of the Love X Magic collection, this standalone novel tells the story of a stubborn siren and a stranded selkie who must work together despite being natural enemies. Their reluctant partnership leads to unexpected sparks and a deal to save the sea.
Release: August 22, 2024
Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous by Mae Marvel
Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous by Mae Marvel is a buzz-worthy sapphic romance that blends Hollywood glamor with heartfelt nostalgia. Katie Price, an A-list star from small-town Wisconsin, rarely returns homeโuntil this year. Back in town, she encounters Wil Greene, her high school crush with piercing blue eyes. Wil, now a local sensation due to her unique kissing challenge, hasnโt quite found her footing in life. Despite the years and changes, their chemistry is undeniable. As they reconnect, old sparks ignite into a passionate romance.
Release: June 11, 2024
If you can’t get enough small town vibes, find your next small town book recommendations here.
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
Triple Secย by TJ Alexander is a fresh and sizzling polyamorous rom-com. Mel, a jaded bartender at a swanky NYC cocktail lounge, is convinced love doesnโt existโuntil Bebe walks in. Beautiful and funny, Bebe is happily married to Kade and proposes a unique offer: a date with Mel, thanks to their open marriage. What starts as a fun fling turns into a deep connection, leading Mel to try new things, including entering a cocktail competition. As sparks fly between all three, Mel discovers that love might be more expansive than she ever thought possible.
Release: June 4, 2022
Hot Summer by Elle Everhart
Hot Summer by Elle Everhart sizzles with a Love Island-inspired reality show twist. Cas Morgan, a longtime fan of the hit dating show, never imagined she’d become a contestant. Her company secures a partnership with the show, and suddenly, Cas is in the villa, vying for a promotion if she can make it to the finals. Her strategy to win over the voting public is setโuntil she meets Ada, a fellow contestant whoโs genuine and irresistible. As sparks fly and their connection deepens, Cas must decide whether to follow her heart or stick to her game plan.
Release: June 25, 2024
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer is a swoony, sexy opposites-attract romcom that will delight fans of Mia Sosa and Alexandria Bellefleur. Tara Sloane Chadwick, a no-nonsense Southern belle and successful lawyer, panics when her most humiliating ex invites her to a wedding. Desperate not to show up alone, Tara claims sheโs bringing a serious girlfriendโdespite being single. Enter Holly Siobhan Delaney, a waitress and wild child who has sworn off relationships. Holly agrees to be Taraโs fake girlfriend, but their no-strings fling quickly turns steamy. As secrets are shared and kisses exchanged, Holly sees the caring woman beneath Taraโs perfect exterior.
Release: August 27, 2024
All the drama of weddings can be found with these wedding romance books.
Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald
Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald is a sizzling romance that blends academia with Hollywood drama. Oscar-winning actress Valeria Sullivan takes a guest teaching gig at USC, aiming to leave Hollywood behind. Her co-professor, Maeve Arko, is brilliant and beautiful but initially disdainful of Val. As they clash and collaborate, sparks fly, and Maeveโs icy exterior melts. Just as Val finds happiness with Maeve and her new job, her directorial debut, Oakley in Flames, starts gaining attention. Val must choose between her obligations to her class and Maeve, and the Hollywood career she might not be ready to leave.
Release: June 11, 2024
Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield
Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield is a captivating YA speculative romance perfect for fans of Rachael Lippincott. Phoebe Mendel, a queer, disabled, Jewish teen, finds herself stuck in a never-ending August 6th time loop. Her routine of pancakes, Scrabble, and researching her IBS is disrupted when her childhood crush, Jess, crashes into the loop. Now also stuck, Jess encourages Phoebe to break free from her monotonous days. Together, they splurge on concerts, take road trips, and fall in love. But Phoebe worries about the future: will Jessโs feelings last outside the loop, and will her new doctor take her pain seriously?
Release: July 23, 2024
The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis
The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis is a bold and subversive feminist retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros, perfect for fans of Circe and Black Sun. Headstrong Psyche, admired for her beauty but undesirable as a wife, longs for freedom from menโs expectations. When her father sacrifices her to appease an enraged Aphrodite, Eros, the nonbinary deity of desire, rescues her instead. Hidden in an idyllic palace, Psyche and Eros fall deeply in love under the cover of darkness. But as secrets and doubts grow, Psyche’s actions lead to a transformative reckoning. This captivating tale explores the power of queer joy and freedom in a world of divine forces and everyday struggles.
Release: August 13, 2024
Looking for a Sign by Susie Dumond
Looking for a Sign by Susie Dumond is a fun and quirky rom-com about finding love and self-discovery. After a breakup, Gray, an optimistic lesbian Aries, moves to New Orleans for a fresh start. Determined to find her perfect match, she embarks on a mission to date someone from each astrological sign before her twenty-ninth birthday. With the help of her best friend, Cherry, Gray navigates the dating scene, encounters ghosts and bathroom hookups, and enjoys incredible macchiatos. As she gets to know her new city and twelve potential partners, Gray discovers more about her needs and desires, making surprising revelations along the way. This charming tale is perfect for anyone seeking love, adventure, and a bit of astrological magic.
Release: June 11, 2024
And if you’re into astrology, you won’t want to miss our Read the Zodiac series with book recommendations for every sign.
A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins
A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins is a steamy rom-com about friendship turning into something more. Rising music producer Cyn Tha Starr is used to flings, but her latest hookup clashes with her best friend, Jucee, a popular dancer. Suddenly, Cyn sees Jucee differentlyโwith fewer boundaries and more kissing. Jucee, who prioritizes dancing and her son, starts to realize she wants more than just friendship with Cyn. Hooking up with her best friend and muse is risky, but real love might be worth it. This sizzling story is perfect for fans of romance where friendship heats up.
Release: May 28, 2024
Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang
Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang is a fun, flirty lesbian romcom. Krystin is looking for a husband, a horse, and a place to hang her rodeo ribbons, but Montanaโs bachelors arenโt cutting it. Enter reality TVโs Hopelessly Devoted, where sheโs determined to win Josh Rosenโs heart. But then thereโs Lauren, whoโs only on the show to boost her social media following. She plans to stay just long enough to get famous, but Krystinโs got her feeling all kinds of things she didnโt expect. As the two get tangled up in each other, they find love in the most unexpected place. Fans of The Bachelor and Love Island will get a kick out of this debut.
Release: May 21, 2024
The Dating Countdown by N.G. Peltier
The Dating Countdown by N.G. Peltier takes you to Trinidad for a second-chance romance thatโs all about timing. Remi Daniels has one goal: win back Maxine King, the woman she let slip away years ago. Maxine, recently divorced and back on the island, canโt deny their chemistry. To keep things from getting too intense, she proposes ten friend dates to see if they can be more than just physical. But sticking to the pact proves harder than they thought, as each date reveals how much they mean to each other.
Release: September 26, 2024
The Lovers by Rebekah Faubion
The Lovers by Rebekah Faubion is a debut romance that brings a second chance at love under the California sun. Kit Larson, a tarot reader and mystic influencer, believes the cards never lie, but they didnโt warn her about her recent heartbreak. Accepting a gig at a boho-chic wedding in Joshua Tree for a distraction, sheโs stunned to find her high school crush, Julia, as the wedding planner. Julia, a perfectionist hiding her vulnerable side, must navigate having an ex-girlfriend in the bridal party and reconnecting with Kit, who once broke her heart. As wedding events push them together, their old spark reignites, offering a chance to rekindle their love.
Release: September 24, 2024
2024 Trans Summer Romance Books
The Summer Love Strategy by Ray Stoeve
The Summer Love Strategy by Ray Stoeve is a sweet and swoony YA rom-com about two friends on a mission to find summer romance. Hayley, tired of unrequited crushes, and her best friend Talia, who rarely gets crushes, make a pact to find love like in the movies. They create a list of romantic hotspots: the beach, Pride parade, pool, a MUNA concert, and parties. But things donโt go as plannedโawkward encounters, mistaken identities, and a DIY haircut crisis ensue. As they navigate their summer love strategy, Hayley and Talia might just find love where they least expect it.
Release: May 7, 2024
This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill
This Changes Everything by Edward Underhill is a whirlwind YA rom-com where two queer teens spend a life-changing day in NYC. Abby believes in the Universe’s magic and plans to confess her love to her best friend, Kat, during the Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade. Leo, a trans boy, just wants to survive the trip without being outed. When they accidentally get lost together, Leo causes Abby to lose her special gift for Kat. They embark on a mission to find souvenirs from Abbyโs favorite romance novel locations. As they explore the city, their perceptions shift, and the day changes everything for both of them.
Release: February 13, 2024
A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell
A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell is a delightfully queer Victorian love story featuring a brash trans hero, Kit Griffith, and a beguiling botanist, Muriel Pendrake. Kit, a former painter turned bicycle seller in Cornwall, is struggling with his new life after leaving his artist community. When Muriel, a spirited botanist, commissions Kit to illustrate British seaweeds, he accepts in exchange for her help proving women can ride bicycles as well as men. As they cycle together, their desire grows, but with summerโs end approaching, they must decide if theyโre ready to race into the unknown and embrace their love.
Release: June 18, 2024
2024 Gay Summer Releases
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is a hilarious rom-com about two bisexual exes who accidentally book the same European food and wine tour. Theo and Kit, once best friends and lovers, are now estranged. Both decide to use their tour vouchers separately, only to find themselves on the same bus. Trapped together for three weeks, they challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they’re over each other. As they travel through romantic cities in France, Spain, and Italy, old feelings resurface. This witty and swoony tale is perfect for fans of second-chance romance and European adventures.
Release: August 6, 2024
Summer is the perfect season for armchair travel, read around the world with our book recommendations.
Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes
Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes is a cozy summer romance with low angst and high heat. Luca Torres, a struggling journalism graduate, accidentally takes a vow of celibacy to land a job. Forced to deliver on this promise, he becomes a fire lookout in the picturesque mountains of Washington State. His resolve is tested when he meets Artair Osmond, a flirtatious musician camping nearby. Luca must choose between his dream career and the bearded bear he can’t resist. This sweet and spicy tale is perfect for fans of chunky men, cozy woods, and starlit cuddles.
Release: August 25, 2024
Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters
Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters is a heart-pumping romance that blends Young Royals with Red, White, and Royal Blue. Prince Jadon of รles de la Rรชverie is sent to America to clean up his image after a viral breakup. Romance isn’t part of the planโphoto ops with puppies and elite events are. But meeting a pink-haired, film-obsessed hottie at his new school changes everything. With his witty royal guard, future queen sister, and quirky liaison, Jadon aims to prove he’s more than a royal screw-up. Falling for an American boy might be the key to redefining his leadership and winning hearts, including his own.
Release: August 20, 2024
If you’re into royalty, you won’t want to miss these Young Adult royal romances.
Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery
Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery combines the thrill of Red, White and Royal Blue with the high-speed world of Formula 1. Kian Walker, a four-time Championship winner, is determined not to follow in his reckless father’s footsteps. Enter Harper James, the cocky rookie and Kianโs new teammate, whoโs just as good at breaking hearts as setting records. As the season progresses, their rivalry intensifies, but Kian finds his heart racing just as fast off the track as on it. With enemies-to-lovers, grumpy x sunshine, and forced proximity tropes, this spicy sports romance will have your heart racing at 220mph.
Release: May 30, 2024
Have a need for speed? Check out our F1 romance book recommendations.
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland is a rollicking queer pirate fantasy adventure. Avra Helvaรงi, a former field agent, steals the most valuable secret in the world and flees to the open sea. To sell it, Avra enlists his on-again, off-again ex, pirate Captain Teveri az-แธคaffฤr. Together, they plan to fence the secret in the pirate republic of the Isles of Lost Souls. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including a watchful Araลti ambassador, a mysterious new crew member with a vow of celibacy, and the perils of sea serpent breeding season. If they survive, theyโll be legends and fabulously wealthy.
Release: June 11, 2024
For Real by Alexis Hall
For Real by Alexis Hall is a deeply emotional romance from the acclaimed author of Boyfriend Material and Husband Material. Laurence Dalziel, nearly forty and disillusioned with the Scene, hasnโt had a meaningful relationship in six years. Then he meets Toby Finchโyoung, fearless, and everything Laurie canโt remember being. Toby is unsure of his future but knows he wants Laurie. While Laurie is willing to give his body, he guards his heart, believing their connection is too fragile and fleeting. Yet, despite their differences, what they share feels profoundly real, challenging their fears and expectations about love.
Release: June 11, 2024
WANT MORE BOOK RECS?
Get Access to Our Full Book Database
When you join the Under the Covers Community you’ll get access to our release calendar and trope database. Guaranteed to find your next read!
Read More
Pin It Later
Join the Under the Covers Community
- Book Release Calendar
- Book Tropes Book Database
- Reading Under the Covers: Extra Bite – Exclusive Bonus Podcast Feed
- Additional recommendation lists
- Reading wrap-ups and our Bookish Brunch weekly behind the scenes newsletter
- Free downloads (activities, templates and more)
- And much more!
So many that I haven’t read yet. A couple are actually on the pile for some point.