To get all Our Queerest Shelves Content plus community features, upgrade to All Access!
|
|
|
|
Courtney Rodgers
October 8, 2025
|
|
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
|
|
 |
Young Adult literature will always have a place in my heart and my shelf, no matter how old I get. There’s something unique about the way YA characters are able explore their identities within the chaos of the teen years. As an adult reader of YA, I see myself in teen characters as they make tough choices for the first time, try new things, and find their path. For teen readers, queer romances mirror their own experiences and relationships. The delicate navigation of difficult topics and joyful love stories makes queer YA romance universally relevant. From contemporary to fantasy, these new queer YA romances offer something for everyone.
 Call Your Boyfriend by Olivia A. Cole, Ashley Woodfolk
Beau is ready to know the truth. Does Maia have actual feelings for Beau after hooking up with her for months? When Maia brings Charm to a party, their flirty night gets broken up by Maia’s on-again-off-again boyfriend and his promposal. Heartbroken, Charm and Beau decide to team up and get Maia back. This rom-com is full of schemes and sweetness. |
 | |
 Witchlore by Emma Hinds
After the death of their girlfriend, Elizabeth, Orlando is a complete outcast at Demdike College of Witchcraft. Her death was Lando’s fault, and Lando’s uncontrollable shapeshifting doesn’t help the matter. When new student Bastian promises a spell that can bring Elizabeth back from the dead, Lando is willing to give it a try. As they work together, Lando’s attraction to Bastian grows. Adventurous and magical, this romance is an enchanting read. |
 Coffeeshop in Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee
When Brenda falls through a portal, she finds herself inside a coffee shop in a world where magic is something as common as socks. She meets Kat, a girl with magic and a mysterious past. Their universes have somehow crossed wires, and to fix things, Kat and Brenda must use their personal strengths. Filled with references to DnD and fanfic, this Sapphic novel is cozy and fun. |
 The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar by Sonora Reyes
After coming out to his family and getting his bipolar diagnosis, Cesar is ready to try and win back his ex, Jamal. With his meds dosed properly and his therapist’s go-ahead, Cesar begins seeking out Jamal again. Cesar hides his struggles with his Catholic identity and self-destructive thoughts behind a silly persona. When Cesar has a manic episode, he has to choose to ask for help from those he’s hurt or leave everyone behind. |
 You’ve Goth My Heart by Lev A.C. Rosen
When Gray gets a text from a wrong number, he thinks it might be either his closeted ex or the serial killer everyone’s worried about. Instead, the texter has a ton in common with Gray, and they message all summer. Gray’s friends warn about catfishing and queer teens who’ve disappeared. When Halloween rolls around, Gray and his anonymous friend agree to meet during the decorating contest. The stakes have never been higher as Gray contends with his ex, a transfer student trying to win the contest, and a serial killer, all while trying to meet the goth boy of his dreams. |
 |
 Everything About You by Robby Weber
Recent high school graduate Milo is determined to make the most of his fashion apprenticeship in Paris. When he learns that only one of the two apprentices will be offered a permanent job, Milo begins mentally competing with the other apprentice, Rhodes. As Milo navigates his personal struggles and the fashion world, he’s drawn to Rhodes’ infuriating charm. Fall in love with Paris with this rivals-to-lovers romance. |
 Deadly Ever After by Brittany Johnson
Two princesses wake up in a cursed forest, with the gods offering a second chance at life. Princess Amala, always good and following the rules, was murdered the night before her wedding. Princess Kha’dasia is a warrior, ready to fulfill her brother’s dying wish, until her own life is cut short. To return to life, the princesses must find true love’s kiss, with the catch that a wrong kiss will send them to their deaths forever. Together, Amala and Kha’dasia face their fears and seek out true love’s kiss. Perhaps it’s closer than they think? Expected publication November 4, 2025 |
This year has been a great year for queer YA romances, and these novels are just a small sampling. Want more queer YA romances? Try a queer sports romance or a queer foodie romance.
 |
To get all Our Queerest Shelves Content plus community features, upgrade to All Access!
|
|
|