Kaylee Osowski

Pride will be here in June and what better way to start celebrating than with an LGBTQIA2S+ romance? Of course, you can read queer books year-round, as I do. But reading something that correlates with the upcoming festivities can be a fun way to get rainbow ready. These are a few of my favorite queer romances that I read in the past year. Get ready to hit that hold button in Deschutes Public Library’s online catalog!

”We Could be So Good” by Cat Sebastian

Within the first chapter, this book and these characters made my heart and soul feel all the warm fuzzies, and I couldn’t wait to go with Andy and Nick on their journey. This book is set in late 1950s New York City where Andy is the son of a newspaper publisher and Nick is a reporter. This is not a Schitt’s Creek alternative universe, but the book is still hopeful about the future. Any anti-LGBTQ sentiment is expressed in memories and discussion between characters rather than as on-the-page action.

”The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich” by Deya Muniz

If you love cheese as much as you love romance, check out this graphic novel. Lady Camembert must disguise herself as a man after her father dies so she doesn’t lose her fortune. After moving to the capital city, Cam meets Princess Brie and can’t stay away even though being friends with the princess risks her secret coming out. A royal friends-to-lovers tale, this graphic novel pairs best with a grilled cheese sandwich.

”Role Playing” by Cathy Yardley

This is one of my favorite books I read in the past year. The cover alone — Can I get a poster, please? Maggie joins an online gaming group as Bogwitch. She mistakes Otter, known as Aiden offline, for a 20-something and he assumes she’s in her 80s. In actuality, they’re 48 and 50. As the two become friends in the real world, their relationship deeps as does their understanding of their own identities, including Aiden’s bisexuality and demisexuality.

”Something Wild & Wonderful” by Anita Kelly

If you’ve ever wanted kinda, sorta wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail but have also thought 2,653 miles sounds like a lot, take the journey with Alexei and Ben. Alexei started his hike looking for solitude to help him figure out his next moves in life. Then he meets Ben. Bubbly and outgoing, Ben draws Alexei out of his head and helps him to celebrate his sexuality after being disowned by his family. This is a story of not only a beautiful journey on the PCT, but also of personal growth and love.