Best LGBTQ+ Romance Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

They Both Die at the End is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting story about two strangers, Mateo and Rufus, who are informed by Death-Cast that they will die that day. The two decide to spend their last day together, making new memories and experiencing life to the fullest. This LGBTQ+ fiction book for teens and young adults by Adam Silvera is a tour de force that explores themes of love, loss, and friendship. The book is a must-read for those who enjoy emotionally charged stories that leave a lasting impact.

Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko is a coming-of-age romance novel inspired by her viral hit song and music video. Set in rural Oregon, 17-year-old Coley is grieving and feels unworthy of love until she meets Sonya. The attraction is immediate, but they both fear opening up to each other. The novel is about embracing your truth and realizing that we are all worthy of being loved back. The book has received positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and B&N Reads, and has been featured in various publications. Overall, Girls Like Girls is a powerfully romantic read that empowers readers to accept themselves and love.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of 1950s queer life in Chinatown, San Francisco. The story follows 17-year-old Lily Hu and her love interest, Kathleen Miller, as they navigate the challenges of being two girls in love during a time of Red-Scare paranoia and anti-Chinese sentiment. Malinda Lo's writing is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the struggles and joys of queer youth in a time when their love was not accepted. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ fiction and historical fiction.

The Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel) Vol. 1 is a captivating Chinese historical fiction story about martial artists and the desire between two men. The book follows the journey of Shen Qiao, a humble leader of the Daoist sect, who is taken under the wing of Yan Wushi, leader of the demonic Huanyue sect, after a shocking loss in a duel. The story explores themes of healing, self-reflection, and the wretchedness of humanity. The book is a beloved danmei/Boys’ Love wuxia novel series from China that inspired the donghua (animated series) streaming in English. The Seven Seas English-language edition includes exclusive, all-new covers and interior illustrations.

This Winter: A Solitaire Novella is a short but heartwarming novella that follows Tori Spring and her brother Charlie during the festive season. Written by Alice Oseman, the author of the acclaimed debut novel Solitaire and graphic novel series Heartstopper, this novella is perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ fiction books for teens and young adults. Despite the challenges Tori and Charlie face, they find a way to celebrate Christmas and make it special. The author's writing style is engaging and emotional, making the reader feel invested in the characters' lives. Overall, this novella is a must-read for fans of the Heartstopper series and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story about family and love during the holiday season.

The explosive conclusion to Marie Lu's bestselling LEGEND trilogy, Champion, is perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT. The story follows June and Day, who have sacrificed so much for their country and each other, as they face a new outbreak of a deadlier strain of plague that threatens their world. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu's bestselling trilogy comes to a stunning end. Champion has received widespread praise and accolades, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

She Gets the Girl is a delightful YA romantic comedy that follows the story of two college students, Alex and Molly, who couldn't be more different. Alex is confident, flirty, and knows how to get the girl, while Molly is awkward and has a hidden crush on Cora Myers. When Alex discovers Molly's crush, they team up to help each other get the girl they want. As they embark on their five-step plan, they begin to wonder if they're the ones falling for each other. This book is a refreshing take on the hate-to-love trope, and the chemistry between Alex and Molly is undeniable.

Some Girls Do is a YA contemporary queer romance novel that follows a gay track star, Morgan, who falls for a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen, Ruby. The two are drawn to each other but struggle to navigate their different paths towards living their truth. This novel explores themes of coming out, safety, and the difficulties of being true to oneself. Jennifer Dugan creates well-crafted multidimensional characters that make for a fast-paced read you won't want to put down. Some Girls Do is a beautiful and necessary addition to LGBTQ+ fiction for teens and young adults.

A New York Times bestseller, "If I See You Again Tomorrow" by Jaye Robin Brown is a compelling young adult romance that tells the story of Clark, a teen stuck in a time loop, who meets the boy of his dreams on day 310. As Clark navigates the challenges of falling for someone he can never have a future with, the story is structured around a series of deviations and mysteries, making the novel compulsively readable. Brown provides a compelling, endearing narrator in Clark, and the book's exploration of loneliness and the power of human connection make it a standout in the contemporary romance genre.