Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Eight LGBTQIA+ Romance Books & Series to Read All Year Long, by Rachel Emily
For my first post with VioLit Hour, I wanted to share some of my go-to recommendations from my favorite indie and queer authors. If you’re just now dipping your toes into queer romance, many of these are what I would recommend to start with!
I also wanted to make sure to include some different genres as well as different formats - the indie graphic novel scene is so creative and vibrant, don’t leave them out!
These books have resonated with me so strongly ever since I first read them, and I hope you find some new favorites too. And many of these authors have quite an extensive backlist, so please check out their other stories. My DMs on Insta are always open if you want to come chat about these or other books!
Red Dirt Heart Series, by N.R. Walker
If you’re a fan of found family, adorable Aussie animals, meddling friends and family, and the sweetest and most epic love story, then you need to read the Red Dirt Heart series by N.R. Walker. When Travis moves from Texas to Australia to work a study abroad program at Sutton Station, he has no clue just how much his life will change forever. Charlie doesn’t believe himself worthy of love or happiness, and he finds both with Travis. His work truly becomes a home once Travis enters his life. This series is a must-read, and read the books in order! It follows the same couple from start to finish.
The Creature Cafe Series, by Clio Evans
If you’re looking for a smutty series that covers a wide gamut of LGBTQIA+ rep and you’ve been wanting to see what the craze is with monsters then you have to read this series! There is MF, MM, MMM, MMF, FF, and FFM across the entire series. One thing I love the most is that this series includes great poly rep. There is also body positivity and a wide range of monsters and all the fun (ahem) perks that come with that—so be prepared for top levels of spice in this series of novellas.
The F-Word Series, by E Davies
I love romances from E Davies—sweet, hot, and one of my go-to recs when people are looking for transgender romance. I feel like I have learned so much from Ed, who has always been very open about their own journey and transition. I love that their books and this series especially doesn’t shy away from trans characters and characters who buck the societal norms as the main character in romances. Each story follows a different couple and I’d love to know which is your favorite!
Perfectly Us, by Jaclyn Osborn
I love books with demi rep (give me any and all ace rep really lol) and this one has a special place in my heart. It’s a bit of an underdog book from this author, and one that doesn’t get mentioned enough. If you want a sweet new adult story between two young men finding solace with each other - and one of them also discovering their demisexuality - then this one is a must read.
Smut Peddler Presents: Sex Machine, by:
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Vanilla Game by Fiona Staples
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Like We Do by Taylor Robin
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Autoerotic by ghostgreen
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Remote Connection by Tits McGee
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Picnic by Kelly Matthews and Nicole Matthews
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Little Universe Machine by Aud Koch
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(5yrs/1sec) by Anderjak
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Bodywork by Amanda Lafrenais
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Handsy by Meredith McClaren
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Employee of the Month by Myisha Haynes
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Robot by Roxie Thunderhug
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Rendezvous with Ain by Savanna Ganucheau
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The Stuppa by Harlotin
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Love Triangulation by Blue Delliquanti and Jon Cairns
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Starship by Faith Erin Hicks and Amanda Lafrenais
I’ve enjoyed all of the Smut Peddler graphic novel anthologies that I have read (My Monster Boyfriend is pretty excellent too) but this might still be my favorite. I love getting to see all the different art styles and stories. Smut Peddler is an ongoing series from Iron Circus, an indie graphic novel publisher. Each collection revolves around a central theme as an anthology from different comic artists/writers. There is MF, MM, FF, and everything is very sex-positive in this one—and robots, can’t forget the robots.
The Temptation Series, by Ella Frank
I can’t make a recommendations list without including one of my all-time favorite series and couples, one that has set the bar for me and reading MM indie romance. This six book series follows one couple, Logan and Tate, and all the ups and downs in their relationship. Tate has never been with a man (I love a great bi-awakening!), and Logan has never had a real loving relationship–so how will these two make it work? These TWO. I adore them. I also love Rachel and Cole, their families, and the entire Chicago ‘verse series of spin-offs that Ella has created. But there will never be another Logan and Tate for me.
One Giant Leap, by Kay Simone
If you’re a fan of the ultimate slow burn, this one is it—the two MC’s aren’t even on the same PLANET for the majority of this book! Patrick works for NASA on Earth and Curt is away on a mission, and the two fall in love just by talking together on comms. Fans of age gap, slow-burn, found family feels, queer normative world building, and wanting disability rep in their romance will enjoy this one. It’s a bit lower on the steam but full of feels!
*Also I highly recommend the audiobook of this! Greg kills it!
His Surrogate Omega, by Kelex
I feel like I could have a whole separate list for people wanting to check out omegaverse with mpreg (male pregnancy), but let me say that this is where you should start. His Surrogate Omega will destroy you along the way before it puts you back together. Kelex’s omegaverse is a future and world where there are no females to carry on the human race. There is also a complex world of oppression, omega rights, and societal norms. I can’t speak highly enough of this book and everything it will make you feel. Prepare to fall in love with Gray and Rohan—just have that box of tissues at the ready!
Every product and book recommendation is independently selected by our romance-obsessed team and collaborators. These recommendations and photos were brought to you by Rachel Emily | @bookworm_panda
Rachel has had a book in her hand ever since her mom first taught her the joy of reading. These days, she’s usually reading romance or the occasional thriller. Rachel is a bookstagrammer who strives to post diverse and inclusive books and has a strong focus on supporting indie authors. When she’s not reading, Rachel enjoys gaming (Bioshock is her favorite game series) and spending time with her two dogs. She also has an unhealthy obsession with pandas.
We met Rachel on a collaboration platform, and were immediately taken by her dynamic booksta photography and inspiring depth of knowledge of the indie author community. If you’re looking for a hilarious book bestie who can effortlessly recommend a handful of books from the romance subgenre of your choice written by authors you’ve never heard of, look no further!