When winter arrives, there’s nothing like curling up with a good book to warm your soul. For LGBTQ+ readers, the season offers the perfect opportunity to dive into stories that reflect diverse identities and experiences. From heartwarming sapphic romance to thought-provoking family tales, these queer-centric books are must-reads for cozy nights by the fire.
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Your Winter Reading List
This Winter by Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman, the bestselling author of Heartstopper, brings us This Winter, a poignant novella that captures the highs and lows of the holiday season. The story follows the Spring siblings—Tori, Charlie, and Oliver—over one emotional Christmas Day. While Charlie navigates recovery from an eating disorder, Tori struggles with the pressures of being the eldest sibling. Oseman’s signature charm and sensitivity shine throughout, making this a perfect pick for readers looking to connect with realistic, heartfelt stories. If you love Heartstopper or relatable family dramas, add this to your winter reading list.
In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
Nothing says holiday magic like a small-town romance, and Courtney Kae delivers just that with In the Event of Love. This sapphic rom-com follows Morgan, a big-city event planner who returns to her hometown to help save her family’s business. Sparks fly when she reconnects with Rachel, her childhood best friend, who now owns a struggling tree farm. Packed with snowy scenery, festive fun, and second-chance romance, Kae’s debut is perfect for fans of Hallmark-style love stories with an LGBTQ+ twist. It’s a feel-good escape that wraps you in cozy, romantic vibes.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
This charming queer holiday rom-com delivers double the fun with two parallel love stories. Greta and Truman agree to swap homes—Greta escapes to a snowy small town in Maine, while Truman heads to sunny New Orleans. Both find unexpected romance in their new settings, with themes of self-discovery, love, and the magic of the season woven throughout. Roan Parrish’s heartwarming and witty storytelling makes The Holiday Trap an absolute delight for winter nights.
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
In this swoon-worthy holiday romance, Ellie, a down-on-her-luck artist, agrees to a fake engagement with her landlord to make ends meet. The twist? Her landlord’s sister turns out to be the woman she had a whirlwind romance with last Christmas. Alison Cochrun’s Kiss Her Once for Me is a cozy sapphic love story full of snowball fights, family drama, and second chances.
Wrapped Together by Annabeth Albert
This steamy holiday novella follows Hollis, a grumpy craft store owner, and Sawyer, a charming gift shop owner, as they rekindle their friendship and discover something deeper. Set in the backdrop of festive Oregon, Wrapped Together offers both heat and heart for readers who love opposites-attract romances with holiday flair.
The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish
A single dad, Adam, and his daughter move to a small town, where they meet Wes, a reclusive artist. As they work together to create a dazzling light display, romance blossoms. This queer holiday story is sweet, uplifting, and perfect for the season.
Holiday-Themed Queer Anthologies
For readers craving variety, holiday-themed queer anthologies are a seasonal treat. Collections like All I Want for Christmas Is You and Queerly Ever After offer short stories from diverse LGBTQ+ authors. These anthologies blend romance, fantasy, and slice-of-life tales, ensuring there’s something for every mood. They’re also ideal for readers with busy holiday schedules who want quick but satisfying reads.
Grab Your Blanket and Dive In
This winter, let This Winter, In the Event of Love, and holiday-themed queer anthologies transport you to a world of heartfelt connections and festive charm. These books are more than just reads—they’re the perfect companions for every cozy, LGBTQ+ holiday night.
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