14 Must-Read New Queer Books Out in June 2026

From the author of My Government Means to Kill Me, this novel follows Xavier C. Barlow, a Black actor whose fame in the late 1950s was comparable to Sidney Poitier. He died at the height of his popularity, and years later, the true story of his life—and its untimely end—comes to light. Aaron Touissant was the studio’s “backlot fixer” who kept stars in the closet, and he’s ready to expose the culprits behind Xavier C. Barlow’s tragic story. —Danika Ellis

I am fascinated by ocean life, so this just shot to the top of my TBR. Dr. Jo Ness spends her days working at a tiny aquarium, trying to finish the guide to jellyfish she was co-writing with her best friend before he died. Then she gets a call from an old friend, Nadia, who says a giant jellyfish is wreaking havoc on the small island off the coast of Maine. When Jo arrives, she finds that each islander has a different story to tell about the jellyfish they’ve named Clementine—but where is Nadia? This is part sea monster mystery, part meditation on grief, part sapphic love story. I can’t wait to dive in! —Danika Ellis

Puck is a nonbinary reality TV producer in this fun and appropriately chaotic Shakespeare-inspired rom-com. They’ve created a hit reality dating show by putting troubled couples through hell over the years, but when their college roommate announces her engagement to another of Puck’s friends, they know this marriage is headed toward disaster. Over the course of a week at an upscale Appalachian resort where the wedding festivities are taking place, Puck secretly rearranges the couples in their friend group. But a determined bridesmaid set on making this wedding happen could upend Puck’s plans—and all their ideas about what makes a happily ever after. —Rachel Brittain

Alexis Hall had been writing for years before Boyfriend Material came out in 2020, but Luc and Oliver’s fake dating story was his breakout. Like most romance authors, Hall usually takes on a new couple in every book, but he continued Luc and Oliver’s comedic, emotionally rich story in 2022’s Husband Material and is now completing the trilogy with the highly anticipated Father Material. Many, many romance readers have connected with the growth and bumps of this particular relationship, so I know I’m not alone in being ready—in a bittersweet way—to see how Hall brings us a final HEA for this opposites-decidedly-attract couple. —Trisha Brown

The newest of a large crop of queer tennis romances, this debut is already making waves. A long-out but more recently pro tennis player is about to be the first gay player to compete in a Grand Slam, and his anxiety gets the best of him. But his tumble leads to a friendly relationship with his new rival, ranked number two in the world. Their time at the US Open is full of possibilities, but what comes next? —Jessica Pryde

Brandon is a night-shift concierge who breaks hotel policy and sleeps with a guest, which is how he ends up in possession of a mysterious bag with a cell phone and ends up witnessing a murder with one of his best friends. Now Brandon and his group of friends are on the case! —Jamie Canaves

In a new twist on the concept of enemies to lovers, lapsed villain Cyrus and golden boy hero Maximillian decide to become fake nemeses. You remember the deal in Dragonheart? They present a problem, have big flashy battles, rake in the spoils, and go about their way to the next chance to profit on fortune and fame. I mean, technically, Draco and Bowen don’t fall in love, but just imagine if they did. Well, these two are both humanoid, so there’s that, but the silly and the serious are balanced in a similar way. It sounds delightful. —Jessica Pryde

I was delighted to learn that C. L. Polk, author of Even Though I Knew the End and Witchmark, has a queer romantasy book out this year that’s an official D&D novel! Saeldian is a con artist whose magic comes from a pact to never fall in love. Their latest job is to steal “The Kiss of Enduring Love” gem and return it to the feywild. But things get more complicated when Saeldian learns their ex, Kell, is part of the team. Working together reignites sparks between them, but they also learn that this heist has higher stakes than they were led to believe. —Danika Ellis

Natalia “Nati” Fuentes grew up with a mother who taught her the ways of witchcraft, but she’s put all of that behind her now. Or so she thinks. When she hears rumors that heiress Violeta Miramontes has mysteriously come down with a strange illness, Nati suspects dark magic. Knowing she might be the only one who can help and eager to collect the cash reward for doing so, Nati takes a job as Violeta’s caretaker. But the whole scenario becomes much more complicated when Nati falls in love. —Emily Martin

For the 1980s slasher horror fans, there’s Slasher Summer, a story about seven former high school friends who reunite in their hometown of Cedar Lake Falls. This sleepy town was the shooting location of the cult horror classic Slasher. Now, the friends are staying in the cabin where the film was shot. It’s all fun and games until a real slasher shows up, wearing a mask and hungry for murder. Will the friends’ knowledge of slasher horror movie tropes be enough to save them from a real-life masked killer? —Emily Martin

From the author of On a Sunbeam and Spinning, this is a graphic biography of Charity and Sylvia, a lesbian couple living in 19th-century New England. It follows the two of them through 44 years of life together, carving out a space for themselves in small-town Vermont. Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home, says, “In Charity and Sylvia, the preternaturally gifted Tillie Walden surpasses herself.” I just read this one, and I loved it. I think this is the first book to make me burst into sobs from a single page—in the best way. —Danika Ellis

This mesmerizing YA romantic novel-in-verse follows a nonbinary teen in London as they come out to their family, navigate changing friendships, and fall in love for the first time. Poet Gayathiri Kamalakanthan writes with compassion, tenderness, and radiance that makes their debut book unforgettable, and Chi Nwosu’s vivid illustrations add even more texture to this powerful story. —Susie Dumond

In this queer YA retelling of Sleeping Beauty, a young thief goes searching for her missing sister, who went searching for the legendary sleeping princess. The two of them stumble through a portal into the princess’s subconscious and meet her alter ego, Briar Rose, who takes them on a tour of the enchanting land, along with a magical demon. —Liberty Hardy

High school seniors Clay and Aron have been assigned to work together for theater class. The problem? They used to be best friends, until Aron stopped talking to Clay with no explanation. Can Clay keep his bitterness — not to mention his unrequited romantic feelings — in check? And what does Aron have to say for himself after all this time? —Eileen Gonzalez