Fall if my favorite season, when I get to dig out my well-loved cardigans, throw on my combat boots, and the time of year no one in their right minds will look at me and say ‘that woman is straight.’ It’s the time of year I feel like myself. And I’m only myself when I’m snuggled under the covers in a too-cold environment, reading fantasy novels. The queerer the better. Also the sexier the better—but that’s for another round up. So, I took the liberty of compiling some much anticipated fall 2021 LGBTQ+ reads for you to put on your radar now. I also made sure to compile my list including some wonderful Authors of Color. Here’s to a lovely, cozy, literary fall, everyone!

Here are the best LGBTQA+ books of 2021>>

Busy Ain’t the Half of It by Frederick Smith & Chaz Lamar Cruz (Aug 1, 2021)

While there isn’t a lot of information about this book out right now, I wanted to highlight its early Fall release because of a couple important things I did glean about it. First, it’s a romance and the description is melt-in-your-mouth sweet. Second, these characters are described as “trying to center Black Joy in their lives,” which is something I want all my Black friends to find. And finally, who doesn’t need a little love as summer ends?

A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee (Aug 3, 2021)

Here’s one you won’t have to wait long for. This book releases just in time for school to start back up; which is great since it falls in the dark academia realms. Let me set this up for you…Lesbians, witches, dark academia. This is a great start of fall read for you YA fantasy lovers out there.

No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull (Sept 7, 2021)

If you take a moment to read the official publisher description of this book you might start off thinking this is a thriller, sure. But then things go sideways, rather like in the book I imagine, when werewolves and monsters pop in there. But, in true mystery/suspense fashion the book starts with a dead body. A great little pre-haunting season read that will keep you guessing. Also, so much LGBTQ+ representation in many of the characters.

The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros (Sept 7, 2021)

As you can tell by now, I get attached to books quickly based on short succinct pitches. This book’s pitch is: a queer Jewish gothic fantasy set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. If that pitch doesn’t deserve a mic drop, I don’t know what does. I love how historical fiction is branching out from the usual highlanders and Vikings into these little historical niches that gives us such a richer look into a time period. Plus, who doesn’t love a good gothic read for the fall?

Dark Rise by C.S. Pascat (Sept 28, 2021)

If you have read any of my round-ups so far, you know I’m a sucker for a queer fantasy novel. The only thing I adore more than queer dark fantasy, is queer dark fantasy where the main character is bisexual (I’m looking at you, Jacqueline Carey.) This fantasy novel gets a bit more traditional with the chosen-one trope—but don’t worry, the main character is bisexual, and gets both a male and female love interest during the book. As a side note, if you haven’t read the also queer The Captive Prince by this author you should do that immediately.

Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall & Lisa Sterle (Oct 5, 2021)

Once again, I shift gears and give you an LGBTQ recommendation that is unlike my usual reccs. This one is a graphic novel which is described as Teen Wolf meets Gossip Girl. There are werewolves, and teenagers, and cliques, and what is there not to love about all those things combined with beautiful art? This one is short and sweet and satisfying.

Of Trust and Heart by Charlotte Anne Hamilton (Oct 18, 2021)

Veering off into a different area here is a great fall recommendation for a historical romance novel. This one is set during Prohibition in the 1920s and the Scottish heroine, who is soon to be married off, falls for a lounge singer at a speakeasy. The reviews are calling it a beautiful bookish hug. And everyone needs a WLW book hug now and then.

Tink and Wendy by Kelly Ann Jacobson (Oct 26, 2021)

If that title didn’t immediately sell you on this book, then let me expand things a bit for you. In this reimagining, Tink is telling the story of how she was in love with both Wendy and Peter and how their love triangle didn’t go as planned. Let that sink in a moment and consider grabbing this classic queer adaption for your cool fall snuggle fests.

A Marvelous Light by Freya Marske (Nov 2, 2021)

This book is described by the publisher as Red, White, and Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. If that doesn’t make you one-click so fast you spill your mimosa, I don’t know what will. Another description includes: sunshine jock meets grumpy librarian (but gay). So now my only question to you is: are you taking this book home for your fall holidays by itself or with some others?

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman (Nov 9, 2021)

I have no words looking at the description of this book except…can we skip summer and go to the awesome fall release schedule? This book is like Fate Zero (the anime if you haven’t read/watched it) but you know…with morally gray characters and queerness. Oh wait…well, I guess now you have two things to read that fits this bill. If you haven’t heard of Fate Zero, or that world), you can compare it to The Hunger Games but darker and more villainous. A great fit for a deep fall read.

Love in the Big City by Sang Young Park (Nov 9, 2021)

I have a soft spot for the city of Seoul. After living in South Korea for a few years, I often miss the bustle and clamor of that huge city and its people. Love in the Big City captures the essence of Seoul and what it’s like to feel lonely surrounded by so many people. This has been translated from its original South Korean release. Follow the hero, Young, as he navigates his relationships on many levels, and learns how to be the gay man that he is.