14 BIPOC Queer Romances You Need on Your TBR, Babe
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Queer romance keeps my heartbeat steady. While everyone rushes to drop a glowing Goodreads rating on “Delilah?Green” or “Boyfriend?Material” and chants Ashley?Herring?Blake (or simply Ashley?Herring). Yes, Herring?Blake herself. Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall like to repeat a mantra each Pride Month: I’m carving out clear space for the Black authors whose queer romances blaze just as brightly.
This life-affirming list gathers BIPOC queer books. Sapphic romance, friends-to-lovers sparks, and main characters who own every scene. Each romance novel rich with queer love, layered characters, and love stories that linger long after the last page.
These aren’t just romance novels. They’re lifelines. Each book is a reminder that queer love belongs to everyone, and that seeing yourself reflected in a story is a kind of freedom. Read them. Rate them. And let these characters live in your heart.
Why This List Matters
Every June, Pride Month reminds us how far we’ve come—but for many readers, it’s also a time to search for queer books that reflect the full spectrum of identity, joy, and love. For me, Black queer romances aren’t just a subgenre—they’re necessary. These love stories give voice to the beauty and complexity of queer love from authors who rarely get the spotlight they deserve.
Whether you’re craving a sapphic romance with bite, a tender queer romance between best friends, or a bold main character who lives unapologetically—you’ll find it here. With unforgettable authors like Akwaeke Emezi, Kacen Callender, Claire Kann, and R. Eric Thomas, these books offer more than just a good time. They deliver soul-deep connection, clarity, and characters that feel like real people.
So if you’re looking to read something powerful, rate it with stars that feel too small, and remember what it means to be seen—this list is for you. Because queer people deserve more than just representation. We deserve romance that feels like truth.
1. Instant Classics Everyone Talks About
Felix Ever After – Kacen Callender
Felix is a Black trans teen chasing art, identity, and first love. I gave it a five?star rating on Goodreads for its gut?punch honesty and tender queer romance energy.
Ace of Spades – Faridah Abike Iyimide
Dark?academia thrills plus queer love at the center. If you want tension that holds until the final page, read this now.
The Black Flamingo – Dean Atta
Poetry meets prose as Michael finds drag, found?family friends, and self?acceptance. A life?changing novel that reminds every queer person their sparkle is crystal clear.
Kings of B’more – R. Eric Thomas
Two Black queer boys seize one perfect day. Think Ferris Bueller plus unstoppable joy. My heart still hums each time I think about their friendship.
2. Fresh Voices, Fresh Heat
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty – Akwaeke Emezi
Grief, art, forbidden desire. This romance novel burns slow, then blossoms wild.
Honey & Spice – Bolu Babalola
Enemies-to-lovers at a Black British university. Sapphic romance undercurrents, academic gossip, electric banter.
The Romantic Agenda – Claire Kann
An asexual main character navigating queer love and self?worth. Quiet moments hit hardest.
All the Right Notes – Dominic Lim
Estranged friends turned duet partners: forced proximity, soaring music, warm laughs.
Take the Lead – Alexis Daria
A bi-Afro-Latina dancer and her partner two?step into passion. I wanted to rate every steamy rehearsal scene with extra stars.
Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything – Justine Pucella Winans
Agender teen, murder mystery, queer crushes, big heart. A reminder that courage can start with turning one page.
3. Genre?Blenders & Heart?Expanders
Pet – Akwaeke Emezi
Monsters, justice, and a Black trans girl who refuses silence. Small book, galaxy?sized impact.
When the Moon Was Ours – Anna?Marie McLemore
Magic realism, roses that bleed, a trans boy loving a girl made of moons. Love feels like stardust here.
Even If the Sky Is Falling – Taj McCoy, Farrah Rochon & more
Six interconnected stories, one impending asteroid. Queer romances bloom under pressure.
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? – Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Yinka’s aunties crave weddings, but Yinka craves purpose. A witty take on family, faith, and the freedom to define love.
Sidebar: Other Beloved Queer Romances To Queue Up
- Delilah Green Doesn’t Care – Ashley Herring Blake
A sapphic romance layered with sisterhood pain, small?town gossip, and brilliant banter. Ashley Herring proves queer romance can wear stilettos and still kick feelings wide open. - Boyfriend Material – Alexis Hall
Fake dating, public chaos, private tenderness. Alexis Hall captures the anxious heart of queer love. - Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston
A First Son, a prince, one history?making kiss. Casey McQuiston reminds us queer romances can also change politics.
Read This Next:
Underrated Queer Books That Deserve Your Heart
BIPOC Authors You Need to Add to Your TBR!