April 2025 is blooming with queer stories that’ll steal your heart and spark your imagination. From a 1990s game-making trio reconnecting across decades to a merman’s tender liberation in 1910s New York, these 10 must-read LGBTQIA+ books weave love, identity, and resilience into unforgettable narratives. Penned by popular authors like Tanya Huff, Melissa Marr, and Nghi Vo, alongside rising stars, this lineup spans fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary drama, and speculative twists. Whether you’re craving magical romance, historical defiance, or modern-day reckonings, these releases promise representation and revelation. Spring’s never been so queer—let’s dive into April’s most unmissable reads!
1. Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff – April 1
Tanya Huff, the beloved author of The Enchantment Emporium, kicks off April with Direct Descendant, a queer urban fantasy dripping with dark charm. In idyllic Lake Argen, Cassidy Prewitt—town baker and reluctant servant to a dark force—faces chaos when a missing visitor draws a cute PI into her orbit. A deal with a sinister entity has kept the town prosperous, but now an army of darkness rises, threatening everything. Huff’s signature wit shines as Cassidy and the PI spark a romance amid the apocalypse. Perfect for fans of supernatural suspense and sapphic love.
Buy it on Amazon.
2. Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr – April 1
Melissa Marr, the New York Times bestselling creator of Wicked Lovely, returns with Reluctant Witch, a sequel to Remedial Magic. Ellie, a newly discovered witch, is trapped in Crenshaw, her memories altered by Prospero—her guilt-ridden “wife” who erased them to save their dying magical world. As enemies poison Crenshaw, the duo must unite, unraveling lies and love. “I’d burn it all to keep her,” Prospero confesses, setting the stakes. Marr’s lush prose and queer romance weave a tale of trust and triumph, ideal for fantasy fans craving emotional depth.
Get it on Amazon.
3. Don’t Sleep With the Dead by Nghi Vo – April 8
Nghi Vo, acclaimed for The Empress of Salt and Fortune, reimagines Nick Carraway in Don’t Sleep With the Dead, a haunting queer companion to The Chosen and the Beautiful. In 1930s New York, Nick—pretending to be straight and human—faces his past when Jay Gatsby’s ghost returns. Vo’s jazzy, supernatural prose captures longing and memory, crafting a tender, eerie love story against WWII’s eve. This historical fantasy novella is a must for fans of queer reimaginings and ghostly romance.
Pre-order on Amazon.
4. The Influencers by Anna-Marie McLemore – April 15
Anna-Marie McLemore, the lyrical force behind The Weight of Feathers, delivers The Influencers, a queer mystery with family drama. “Mother May I” Iverson’s influencer empire—built on her five mixed-race daughters—crumbles when her husband’s murder and a mansion fire spark questions. April, June, July, January, and missing March navigate fame, suspicion, and secrets, narrated by sisters, May, and online watchers. McLemore’s poetic storytelling and Latinx representation make this a gripping, emotional whodunit. Perfect for contemporary fiction fans who love queer voices.
Buy it on Amazon.
5. A/S/L by Jeanne Thornton – April 1
Jeanne Thornton, celebrated for The Dream of Doctor Bantam, crafts A/S/L, a poignant queer coming-of-age tale. In 1998, teens Lilith, Sash, and Abraxa create Saga of the Sorceress, a game binding their dreams. Eighteen years later, Lilith (a trans loan underwriter), Sash (a webcam dominatrix), and Abraxa drift apart—until fate pulls them back. Thornton’s nostalgic, tender prose explores trans identity, friendship, and unfinished quests, resonating with fans of introspective LGBTQIA+ stories. This is a love letter to the ‘90s and found family.
Get it on Amazon.
6. Make Sure You Die Screaming by Zee Carlstrom – April 8
Zee Carlstrom’s Make Sure You Die Screaming is a raw, queer road-trip thriller. A nonbinary narrator—fresh from a corporate flameout and a violent breakup—races from Chicago to Arkansas to find their missing conspiracy-theorist father. With a “garbage goth” sidekick, they unpack trauma and loss in a stolen car. Carlstrom’s visceral style and nonbinary rep deliver a wild, emotional ride, perfect for fans of gritty queer narratives and suspense.
Pre-order on Amazon.
7. When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris – April 15
Denne Michele Norris, editor-in-chief of Electric Literature, debuts When the Harvest Comes, a moving queer historical drama. Davis, a Black violist, reflects on his love for Everett on his wedding day—until his father’s car accident forces a reckoning with a homophobic past. Norris’s evocative prose captures love, trauma, and healing, weaving a tale of Black queer joy and pain. This is a must-read for fans of emotional, character-driven stories.
Buy it on Amazon.
8. Notes From a Regicide by Isaac Fellman – April 15
Isaac Fellman, author of The Two Doctors Górski, offers Notes From a Regicide, a speculative queer meditation on family. Trans man Griffon Keming pieces together his second parents’ lives via his father’s jail journal—a bloodstained love story of artists and failed revolutionaries. Fellman’s delicate, heartfelt narrative explores trans identity and legacy, blending sci-fi with raw emotion. Ideal for readers seeking queer depth in speculative fiction, this one lingers.
Get it on Amazon.
9. That’s What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher – April 15
Eleanor Pilcher’s That’s What She Said is a vibrant queer rom-com with soul. Demisexual Beth, lacking confidence, enlists free-spirited Serena—her platonic soulmate—to explore her sexuality via a “Sexual Odyssey List.” Speed-dating and tantra turn chaotic when crushes and exes intervene, testing their bond. Pilcher’s witty, heartfelt take on demisexual rep and friendship makes this a fresh, funny standout for contemporary romance fans.
Pre-order on Amazon.
10. The Lilac People by Milo Todd – April 29
Milo Todd’s The Lilac People is a gripping queer historical epic. In 1932 Berlin, trans man Bertie thrives at the Eldorado Club and Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute—until Hitler’s rise shatters everything. Fleeing with girlfriend Sofie, Bertie hides as an elderly couple, later sheltering a trans Holocaust survivor from Allies. Todd’s meticulous research and trans resilience craft a powerful tale of love and survival. Perfect for historical fiction fans craving queer defiance.
Buy it on Amazon.
Why April 2025 Is a Queer Reader’s Paradise
April 2025 celebrates queer voices with a dazzling array of genres. Tanya Huff’s dark fantasy romance, Melissa Marr’s magical deception, and Nghi Vo’s ghostly love story anchor a lineup rich with sapphic, trans, nonbinary, and gay narratives. Anna-Marie McLemore’s family mystery and Jeanne Thornton’s ‘90s nostalgia add contemporary flair, while historical tales from Norris and Todd ground the list in poignant pasts. Carlstrom’s gritty thriller, Pilcher’s rom-com, and Fellman’s speculative depth round out a spectrum of identity and emotion—proof queer stories thrive in every form.
Spotlight on the Authors
Tanya Huff: A fantasy icon (Blood Price), Huff’s queer lens in Direct Descendant sparkles.
Melissa Marr: Known for dark whimsy (Ink Exchange), Marr’s Reluctant Witch deepens her queer legacy.
Nghi Vo: A lyrical star (Siren Queen), Vo’s Don’t Sleep With the Dead haunts with grace.
Anna-Marie McLemore: A magical realist (Wild Beauty), McLemore’s The Influencers shines queer and Latinx.
Jeanne Thornton: A trans trailblazer (Summer Fun), Thornton’s A/S/L evokes tender nostalgia.
Zee Carlstrom: Carlstrom’s bold Make Sure You Die Screaming marks a nonbinary breakthrough.
Denne Michele Norris: A debut novelist, Norris’s When the Harvest Comes brings Black queer power.
Isaac Fellman: Known for quiet brilliance (Dead Collections), Fellman’s Notes From a Regicide resonates.
Eleanor Pilcher: Pilcher’s That’s What She Said debuts with demisexual joy.
Milo Todd: Todd’s The Lilac People cements him as a queer historical voice.
Queer Tropes That Shine
Expect beloved tropes:
Forbidden Love: Reluctant Witch and The Lilac People defy odds for love.
Found Family: A/S/L and Direct Descendant forge bonds beyond blood.
Second Chances: Don’t Sleep With the Dead and When the Harvest Comes revisit past loves.
Identity Quest: Notes From a Regicide and Make Sure You Die Screaming explore selfhood.
Romantic Suspense: The Influencers and That’s What She Said blend love with stakes. These hooks make every page pulse.
Strengths That Captivate
Huff’s supernatural charm, Marr’s emotional stakes, and Vo’s haunting elegance lead with finesse. McLemore’s lyrical mystery, Thornton’s nostalgic heart, and Norris’s historical depth shine, while Carlstrom’s raw energy, Fellman’s introspective beauty, Pilcher’s humor, and Todd’s defiant spirit complete a lineup bursting with queer joy, pain, and power. Representation meets riveting storytelling here.
Why These Books Matter
These 10 books aren’t just reads—they’re celebrations. Sapphic witches, trans artists, nonbinary rebels, and gay romantics leap from fantasy realms, historical shadows, and modern streets, offering mirrors and windows for queer readers. From Berlin’s lost clubs to Crenshaw’s dying magic, April 2025’s releases champion love and identity in bold, beautiful ways. They’re must-haves for any shelf.
Personal Picks and Predictions
My faves? Don’t Sleep With the Dead—Vo’s Gatsby twist is irresistible. The Lilac People—Todd’s trans history hits hard. Reluctant Witch—Marr’s sapphic stakes thrill. I predict The Influencers and Direct Descendant will top queer fiction lists, with A/S/L sparking cult buzz. These are books to savor and shout about—pre-order now!
Conclusion: Spring Into Queer Stories
April 2025 is a queer reader’s dream, with Tanya Huff, Nghi Vo, and more crafting tales of love, defiance, and discovery. From magical prisons to Berlin hideouts, these 10 LGBTQIA+ books promise heart, heat, and hope. Grab them on Amazon or Bookshop, clear your schedule, and dive in—because queer love always finds a way, and these stories prove it.
FAQs: 10 Must-Read Queer/LGBTQIA+ Books Coming Out in April 2025
What are the top queer/LGBTQIA+ books releasing in April 2025?
April 2025 boasts gems like Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff, Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr, Don’t Sleep With the Dead by Nghi Vo, and seven other must-reads. This lineup spans queer fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary tales!
Are any of these April 2025 queer books part of a series?
Yes, Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr is a sequel to Remedial Magic, and Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams follows Tonight, I Burn. Others, like A/S/L by Jeanne Thornton and The Influencers by Anna-Marie McLemore, stand alone—no prior reading needed.
Which April 2025 book is best for sapphic romance fans?
Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr shines with its sapphic twist—Ellie and Prospero’s fraught, magical love is a heart-pounding highlight. Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff also offers a cute sapphic PI-baker romance amid dark fantasy stakes.
Are there historical queer stories in the April 2025 lineup?
Absolutely! Don’t Sleep With the Dead by Nghi Vo revisits 1930s New York with a gay Gatsby twist, while The Lilac People by Milo Todd chronicles a trans man’s defiance in 1932 Berlin—both are rich with queer history.
What queer identities are represented in these April 2025 books?
Expect diversity: trans (A/S/L, Notes From a Regicide, The Lilac People), nonbinary (Make Sure You Die Screaming), sapphic (Reluctant Witch, Direct Descendant), gay (When the Harvest Comes, Don’t Sleep With the Dead), and demisexual (That’s What She Said). It’s a vibrant spectrum!
Which book is ideal for queer fantasy lovers?
Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr blends sapphic romance with a dying magical world—perfect for fantasy fans. Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff also delivers queer urban fantasy with a dark force twist.
Are any of these April 2025 queer books thrillers or mysteries?
Yes! The Influencers by Anna-Marie McLemore is a queer family mystery unraveling a murder, and Make Sure You Die Screaming by Zee Carlstrom offers a nonbinary-led road-trip thriller with suspenseful stakes.
Which April 2025 queer book explores trans identity deeply?
Notes From a Regicide by Isaac Fellman dives into trans man Griffon’s journey through his parents’ journal, while The Lilac People by Milo Todd showcases trans resilience in Nazi-era Berlin—both are profound and moving.
Are there debut authors in this April 2025 queer book list?
Denne Michele Norris (When the Harvest Comes), Eleanor Pilcher (That’s What She Said), and Milo Todd (The Lilac People) debut with powerful queer narratives, joining vets like Huff, Marr, and Vo.
Where can I buy these April 2025 LGBTQIA+ books?
Pre-order all 10 on Amazon or Bookshop via the article’s links—supporting indie stores or creators at no extra cost. Snag titles like A/S/L and The Influencers early—these queer reads won’t wait!
Looking for your next great read? Dive into these captivating book reviews and discover stories that will stay with you long after the last page!
Play Your Part (All In, Book 1) by Kathryn Kincaid – A Captivating Journey of Self-Discovery – A touching romance that explores the pressures of perfection, self-doubt, and the courage to follow your heart. Kathryn Kincaid delivers a heartfelt journey where love and ambition collide in the most unexpected way.
Hockey Heart – A Single Dad Hockey Romance (Skates and Sparks) by Kate Wilder – When a rugged hockey player and devoted single dad meets the one woman who makes him believe in love again, sparks fly both on and off the ice. A swoon-worthy romance packed with sizzling chemistry and heartfelt emotions.
Two Weeks in Tahoe by Erica Everett – A woman looking for a fresh start, a charming local who wasn’t part of the plan, and a stunning mountain backdrop set the stage for a romance that proves two weeks can change everything.
The Pieces We’ve Lost by H.K. Green – A deeply emotional novel that weaves past and present into a poignant tale of love, regret, and healing. As one woman pieces together the story of her past, she uncovers the truth about the love she thought was lost forever.
The Sixty-Forty Rule by Ellie K. Wilde – A clever and steamy romance that challenges the idea of balance in relationships. Can love truly be fifty-fifty, or does one person always give more? This witty and thought-provoking novel will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about love.
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey – A Sizzling Forbidden Romance – Tessa Bailey brings her signature steamy romance to life in this passionate and high-stakes love story. When a woman falls for the one man she absolutely shouldn’t, resisting temptation is impossible—but will giving in cost them everything?
Wild Side by Elsie Silver – A Small-Town Romance That Ignites the Heart – A slow-burn, emotional romance that captures the beauty of small-town life and the thrill of taking a chance on love. With undeniable chemistry, playful banter, and a few unexpected twists, this book will steal your heart.
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone – A Heartwarming Beacon in the Storm of Grief – This deeply moving story explores love, loss, and the power of second chances. When two souls, each carrying their own burdens, find unexpected solace in each other, they discover that even in the darkest times, love has a way of shining through.
Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle #3) by Tracy Deonn – A Magical Odyssey Through Power and Destiny – The highly anticipated third book in the Legendborn Cycle delivers an epic journey of magic, legacy, and self-discovery. Tracy Deonn masterfully expands her world of Arthurian legends with gripping action, intricate lore, and an unforgettable heroine.
First Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison – A Cozy Romance That Rings True – A sweet and cozy romance that unfolds over late-night calls and heartfelt confessions. When a radio host connects with an anonymous caller, neither expects the sparks that fly—or the surprises that await them in real life.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A Battle of Wits That Steals Your Heart – A deliciously addictive enemies-to-lovers romance filled with witty banter, sizzling tension, and a love story that will have you grinning from start to finish. A must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and office rivals who just can’t resist each other.
📚✨ Dive into these reviews and find your next favorite book!
Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books - Known for its humorous and insightful reviews, this site also features a podcast and community discussions about romance novels.
Heroes and Heartbreakers - This site provides reviews and recommendations, highlighting both popular and lesser-known romance novels.
Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
