What’s better than a bookish romance? A queer bookish romance. These LGBTQ+ romance books set in bookstores and libraries are perfect for the queer readers who love love.
Regardless of the genre, books about people who love books are always a hit with readers. The same can be said for LGBTQ+ romances set in bookstores and libraries, but in the current political climate, there is something powerful about queer people curating books for their communities and finding love, too.
While we celebrate pride, romance, librarians, and books, it’s vital to keep an eye on book-banning efforts that limit citizens’ access to freedom of speech in America. In May, HR 2616, a National “Don’t Say Trans” Bill, Passed the House in the US. All hope isn’t lost, but it’s important to act now. As Kelly Jensen points out, there is still time to stop the bill from becoming law: “Find your US Senator here. Don’t stop at contacting Senators in advance of the bill, though. Contact your representatives in the House, too, and make sure they know you’re watching what they’re doing.”
So, let’s fight for our right to read what we want as we celebrate these delightful LGBTQ+ romances set in bookstores, libraries, or other similar bookish situations.
After Hours at Dooryard Books by Cat Sebastian
In 1968 New York City, Patrick is doing his best selling used books in the city’s gayest neighborhood, when global events rattle his quiet life. First, Patrick hires Nathaniel, a secretive drifter who needs work and a place to stay. Then, his brother dies in the war, and he takes in his widow (who’s also Patrick’s best friend) and their newborn. Nathaniel didn’t expect to feel so at home hiding from the FBI in a bookstore with a queer bookseller, a grieving folk musician, a baby, and other political radicals. But the longer he stays, the more he comes to realize there is nowhere he would rather be. Together, they find a way to hope again and build a life.
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Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez
Angela Gutierrez is an ace librarian looking to use her new online platform to secure her first kiss. She will plan an elaborate scavenger hunt and find the perfect candidate. The librarian just needs the help of the hot bartender she has an unrequited crush on, Krystal Ramirez. At this point, Krystal believes romantic love is off the table for her. But as they work together, Angela becomes less certain she wants to go through with her wild plan. Now Angela may be falling for a woman who can never love her back.
A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee
In Victorian London, co-owning a bookshop with her husband provides a lesbian like Jo Smith protection and security. Her husband is her best friend and her closest family, so when his paramour becomes pregnant, Joe does everything she can to help them safely deliver the baby. No self-respecting doctor would take on an unmarried pregnant woman, but Jo believes she can convince the attractive countryside bluestocking, Dr. Emily Clarke, to help. Emily may be wary of scandal, but her attraction to the bookseller overrides her good sense. As the doctor becomes acquainted with London’s underground queer scene, she finds herself warming up to Jo and the bold life ahead of her.
With Stars in Her Eyes by Andie Burke
After a severe migraine ruins her solo career debut, Courtney Starling licks her wounds in small-town Kansas, working at her best friend’s bookstore. Looking forward to burying her head in books, she didn’t expect to meet someone as wonderful as Thea Quinn. Starting a piercing job at a tattoo shop to escape her family’s expectations, Thea is stunned to find an attractive woman working next door. Joining Courtney’s historical romance book club is the perfect excuse to get to know her. As their relationship unfolds, Courtney’s past threatens to ruin their future together. But if they can chart a course forward, Courtney and Thea might just have a chance at something beautiful.
American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera
Librarian Jude Fuller is happy with the community and profession he’s built in Ithaca, but he would love to find someone to settle down with. Someone like Afro-Caribbean food truck owner Nesto Vasquez, who recently moved from New York City, looking for a place where his business can thrive. Nesto knows he should focus on work, but Jude is impossible to ignore. Jude wants to trust Nesto with his heart, even though he has been burned before. They both have to work through their baggage if they want to build a happy life together in Herrera’s delightful small-town romance.
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