1. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (4.75 ⭐️)
This YA fantasy inspired by Persian mythology is about a princess named Soraya who has a poisonous touch. As such she's been isolated her entire life and seeks to end her curse. Soraya is bisexual and in the novel has relationships with both a male and a female character (at different times). This novel reads like a modern fairy tale and was one of my favorite fantasies of last year.
2-3. The Montague Siblings Books by Mackenzi Lee (both 5 ⭐️)
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue and and The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy are both YA historical fictions. They follow a trio of characters (Monty, Percy, and Felicity) on their adventures across Europe. All three of the trio fall somewhere on the LGBT+ spectrum. Monty is bisexual, his best friend (and later partner) Percy is gay, and his sister Felicity is asexual (as implied in the novels and confirmed by the author on twitter). These novels are full of fun, thrilling adventures.
4. Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith (4.25 ⭐️)
This YA contemporary is about two teens (Pony and Georgia) who develop feelings for one another but whose relationship soon becomes complicated. Pony (who is a point of view character) is transgender and attempting to go stealth. Through Pony’s point of view the reader gets an understanding of what he goes through being transgender. The novel is own voices.
5. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (5 ⭐️)
This adult historical fantasy is about the titular character who makes a deal to live forever but she is forgotten by everyone she meets. This was my favorite book of last year as it perfectly mixes genres and invokes a lot of emotion. While Addie and another character, Henry, never have their sexuality confirmed, both have been in relationships with both men and women. The novel takes a familiar trope (deal with the devil) and reinvents it.
6. The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett (5 ⭐️)
This adult historical fiction follows two generations of a family (first sisters and then cousins) who separate and then come together. The novel features a transgender character named Reese and details his journey with gender dysphoria and surgery. This is one of my favorite books of the year so far. It effortlessly weaves together the two story lines and is perfect for those looking for character driven stories.
7. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune (5 ⭐️)
This adult contemporary fantasy is about a caseworker traveling to a remote orphanage to investigate if the magical children there are dangers to themselves or others. The protagonist, Linus, is a gay man and he and the orphanage's caretaker, Arthur, have a slow burn romance. This is one of my favorite books I've ever read as it is a touching, heart melting story. The writing style and the island location lend it whimsicality.
8. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers (5 ⭐️)
This adult romance is about a recent college graduate, Grace, who marries a radio host, Yuki, in Vegas during a drunken night of celebration. The romance between Grace and Yuki is cute and wholesome. What's more to love: the novel challenges society's ideas about success and mental health and features healthy, diverse friend groups.
