It’s time for Pride Month, and I’m here to tell you about some of the many, many LGBTQ+ books coming out in June 2024. From romcoms nonfiction to horror, there’s something for every reader to celebrate in their own way. Read on.
June 4
Triple Sec by T.J. Alexander
As a bartender at the romantic Terror & Virtue lounge in NYC, Mel has seen her fair share of disastrous dates. They’ve only reinforced her belief that love doesn’t exist. Everything changes when Bebe, a beautiful, funny whiskey expert in an open marriage with her partner, Kade, walks into the bar. Despite initial hesitation, Mel agrees to a date with Bebe, leading to a blossoming relationship that boosts her confidence and inspires her to enter a cocktail competition. As Mel explores new romantic and sensual experiences with both Bebe and Kade, she soon realizes that love might be more expansive than she ever thought possible.
T.J. Alexander is known for their fun, quirky romances, and Triple Sec is no exception. This polyamorous romcom is the perfect way to start off Pride 2024.
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The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye by Briony Cameron
In the town of Yáquimo, Santo Domingo, Jacquotte Delahaye is an aspiring shipwright constrained by her self-serving French father. When their home is threatened, Jacquotte flees with a motley crew of refugees, including the mysterious Teresa. Soon, however, they become indentured servants to the brutal pirate captain Blackhand. When Blackhand plans to steal a Portuguese shipment of jewels, Jacquotte must use her wits and allies to survive. Discovering a deeper scheme of treachery, she must decide the price she will pay for a better future.
The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye tells the story of one of the few female pirate captains of the Caribbean. Briony Cameron combines thrilling escapades with a tender exploration of friendship, love and the search for freedom.
But How Are You, Really? by Ella Dawson
Charlotte Thorne has no interest in returning to Hein University for her five-year reunion after her post-college life has stalled so spectacularly. But when her boss is invited to give the commencement speech, she’s forced back – on the same weekend as the reunion. As she reconnects with her past and a former fling, Charlotte sees the weekend as a chance to confront her history and attempt to get her life back on track. Over the weekend, she grapples with her past decisions, dodges questions about her mental health and attempts to reclaim her passion and future.
In her debut novel, Ella Dawson easily captures the angst and drama of college life. But How Are You, Really? is a fun, steamy story with a burned-out bisexual protagonist who just wants to be loved despite feeling broken.
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Morally Straight: How the Fight for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Changed the Boy Scouts – and America by Mike De Socio
In Morally Straight, Mike De Socio chronicles a 25-year struggle for gay rights within the Boy Scouts. He highlights key figures like James Dale, who took his case for inclusion to the Supreme Court, Zach Wahls, the son of lesbian moms who led the final push for policy change, and more.
Through original interviews and reporting, De Socio weaves together stories of activists who challenged conservative norms, ultimately transforming the Boy Scouts and advancing the American LGBTQ+ rights movement. With the recent announcement that the organization is changing its name to Scouting America to take a more inclusive path, Morally Straight is a great Pride read for anyone looking to combine history with current events.
A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee
Jo Smith, a lesbian in a lavender marriage, enjoys her unconventional life until her husband’s pregnant lover requires discreet medical care. Enter Dr. Emily Clarke, a shy but intrigued physician from a quaint village hospital. Despite their contrasting worlds—Jo’s underground clubs and sapphic societies versus Emily’s respectable suburbs—their mutual attraction leads Emily to agree to help. As they navigate potential scandal, they discover the possibility of unexpected happiness.
The third book in the Lucky Lovers of London series, A Blue Stocking’s Guide to Decadence is another fun, queer historical romance. Jess Everlee’s newest installation works as a standalone but has the same crackling dialogue and chemistry her fans have come to expect.
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Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee
In a society where conformity is key, teen Hwa Young, an orphan from a rebel moon destroyed by imperial forces, dreams of becoming an elite lancer pilot. When an attack leaves her and her classmates stranded on an imperial fleet, they volunteer for pilot training, only to uncover dark secrets about the fate of previous pilots and the rebellion. As a conspiracy threatening their world unfolds, Hwa Young must choose between her rebel roots and the empire she once sought to join.
Perfect for fans of Iron Widow and Skyward, Moonstorm is an adrenaline-fueled space adventure. Yoon Ha Lee explores identity, loyalty and the price of power, setting up an exciting new trilogy to enjoy well beyond Pride 2024.
Asking for a Friend by Ronnie Riley
Why go through the stress of making friends when you can just pretend? That’s Eden’s strategy to manage their social anxiety—until their mom announces a birthday party and invites all of Eden’s “friends.” Duke, Ramona, and Tabitha are real kids from school, but Eden has never actually spoken to them. To keep up appearances, Eden does everything possible to turn imaginary friendships into reality. When the group starts to bond, Eden is trapped in a lie. As they become closer, Eden dreads what will happen if their new friends discover the truth.
Asking for a Friend stars an ace, bi, nonbinary teen experiencing the ups and downs of friendship. Ronnie Riley’s second middle-grade novel has real and honest depictions of teens trying to find their way in the world and discover queer joy.
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June 11
A Song for Nolan by Rushie Ellenwood, illustrated by Sally Chen
Nolan is thrilled to attend a birthday party at the roller rink, donning a sparkling outfit and snazzy skates. But when the DJ announces separate skates for boys and girls, they don’t know what to do. With courage and a strong sense of self, Nolan requests a song for everyone, ensuring a joyful and inclusive experience for all.
Published in partnership with GLAAD, A Song for Nolan is an uplifting picture book celebrating and empowering nonbinary children. Rushie Ellenwood and Sally Chen’s book is perfect for families celebrating Pride together.
Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin
In the late ’90s, five queer kids are sent to a “tough love” camp in the scorching Utah desert aimed at “fixing” them. Tormented and worked to the point of collapse by hardline religious zealots, they start to realize that something in the mountains north of the camp is speaking to them in their dreams. As those who remain grow closer, they realize that the children who return home to their families are not the same as they once were.
Like Manhunt, Cuckoo is an intense, angry book full of damaged protagonists. At the same time, Gretchen Felker-Martin’s follow-up is tender and funny. It’s a perfect way for horror fans to add something terrifying to Pride.
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Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous by Mae Marvel
Everyone knows Katie Price from their TV screens, but she rarely returns home. When she heads back to Wisconsin after 10 years away, she meets right back up with her old crush, Wil Green. A lot has changed since their high school days. Wil’s law career has stalled, and she spends her time making viral kissing challenge videos. Despite the decade apart, their reconnection is instant and passionate. But will their rekindled romance stand up to all the time that has passed?
If you enjoy a second chance love story, check out Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous. Mae Marvel’s sapphic celebrity romance is great for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur.
June 18
Rakesfall by Vajra Chandrasekera
Annelid and Leveret met after the war but before peace. As they navigate a destroyed nation and a demon-haunted wood, their souls persist on a journey throughout time. In every lifetime, however, oppressors shape reality, and witches threaten to destroy everything.
Following two souls across endless lifetimes, Rakesfall pushes the boundaries of science fiction. Vajra Chandrasekera writes complicated relationships well, and his second novel is a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate some speculative fiction into their Pride month.
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Breaking the Curse: A Memoir about Trauma, Healing, and Italian Witchcraft by Alex DiFrancesco
In Breaking the Curse, Alex DiFrancesco recounts their harrowing experiences with assault, addiction, and transphobic violence, embarking on a journey of self-reclamation and healing. After a traumatic rape, DiFrancesco seeks spirituality, exploring ancestral magic for protection and transformation. Their quest takes them through Cleveland, Brooklyn, and Philly, involving rehab, pagan AA meetings, tarot readings, and Italian witchcraft.
Through daily rituals and folk traditions, DiFrancesco begins to heal and create a meaningful life. They combine spells and personal memories into a new form of memoir and storytelling. Speaking about trauma may not always diminish its power, but writing one’s truth can prevent the pain from overwhelming everything, and this memoir is a great alternative to fiction to read this Pride.
June 25
Six of Sorrow by Amanda Linsmeier
Isabeau and her five best friends, who share the same birthday, were once inseparable until a rift tore them apart, leaving only Reuel by her side. On their sixteenth birthday, Reuel mysteriously disappears and reappears three days later, sick and with no memory of what happened. Her disappearance reunites the six girls, but when another friend goes missing, they realize something sinister is targeting them. They must uncover the truth behind their strange connection before more of them are taken forever.
Part Yellowjackets, part Wilder Girls, Six of Sorrow is a twisty, supernatural YA thriller about small towns, friendships and terrifying secrets. Amanda Linsmeier’s writing is lyrical and compelling, resulting in a creepy and atmospheric book you won’t be able to put down.
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The Lion’s Den by Iris Mwanza
When young queer dancer Wilbess “Bessy” Mulenga is arrested and disappears after police brutality, rookie lawyer Grace Zulu takes on his case as her first pro bono effort. Battling against corrupt politicians and traditional beliefs, Grace forms an alliance with a former freedom fighter and her ailing mentor. Together, they rally unions, students, and political opposition in a dangerous fight for justice amidst deep-seated homophobia and corruption.
In her debut novel, Iris Mwanza tackles gay rights and the stigmatism of AIDS in Africa head-on. The Lion’s Den is a fast-paced legal thriller that paints a vivid picture of Zambia in the 1990s.
These are just a few of the amazing new LGBTQ+ books coming out this Pride Month. All are available for preorder now at your local, queer-owned bookstore or Bookshop.org. What are you reading to celebrate Pride this year? Let us know below, and happy reading!
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