r/LGBTBooks • • 21h ago

ISO Looking for fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, complex characters, and preferably a slow-burn romance

29 Upvotes

I’m looking for a fantasy book. I want real fantasy with depth, originality, and a strong foundation, rather than a story that uses magic as a backdrop for romance.

Worldbuilding is probably the most important thing to me. I want a world that feels alive and with its own history, mythology, cultures, politics, religions, magic systems, and unique creatures. I love the idea of a world like Avatar, with fascinating ecosystems, distinctive creatures, and a deep connection between nature and its inhabitants. In terms of books, Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff is another example of the kind of dark, atmospheric, almost mythological fantasy that appeals to me. I want a world that feels thoughtfully constructed, with its own identity and internal logic.

Some other books I enjoy or find appealing in terms of atmosphere and character dynamics are Captive Prince and The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. I’m not looking for an exact copy of either, just something with memorable characters, emotional depth, a distinctive atmosphere, and a compelling story.

The story should be strong enough to stand on its own, even without romance. I want to care about the world and its conflicts just as much as the characters.

As for romance, MM would be my preference, but it’s not a strict requirement. Ideally, I’d love a genuine slow burn that develops naturally through trust, shared experiences, tension, and emotional intimacy. However, I don’t want the entire book to revolve around the characters being gay or something like that. Romance can be an important part of the story, but it shouldn’t overshadow the main plot or the fantasy itself. If a book meets all my other criteria but doesn’t have an MM romance, I’m absolutely open to it!

I’m also not looking for explicit sexual content. I’d much rather have romantic tension, chemistry, emotional intimacy, and a gradual relationship.

Ultimately, I’m open to pretty much anything as long as it meets these criteria. An MM romance would be a bonus, but it’s definitely not a requirement, and I’m not opposed to any particular type of story or pairing. I do tend to prefer male protagonists, though. More than anything, I just want a truly immersive fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a story that stays with me long after I’ve finished reading it.

I’d love to hear any recommendations you think might fit. Thank you!!


r/LGBTBooks • • 19h ago

ISO Looking for beta readers for an absurd LGBTQ+ sci-fi comedy

15 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I recently finished The Last Top, a short, ridiculous dystopian sci-fi comedy set in the year 2122.

It takes place in a future where almost every gay man is a bottom and actual tops have become an endangered species. Dating apps are in crisis, the government has established a Ministry of Intimacy, and a 20-year-old virgin named Oliver Finch accidentally stumbles into a conspiracy involving a suspicious shortage of tops, a billionaire with questionable intentions, and a facility known as the PleasureDome.

Think retro sci-fi pulp fiction meets gay dating culture, with plenty of absurd humor.

It's not intended to be serious literary fiction. It's deliberately stupid, campy, and over-the-top.

Adult humor and sexual themes throughout.

I'm happy to share more details or a sample with anyone interested. Thanks!


r/LGBTBooks • • 15h ago

ISO Haunted Queers?

13 Upvotes

I always do a "theme" for Halloween media to consume and this year it's ghosts! I want a ghostly queer book!

I've read The Taking of Jake Livingston and The Haunting of Hill House (Harold, they're Lesbians) but I'm looking for a good, ghostly queer read!

I don't love gorey horror. I'm more into the "what you don't see is what's scary" type of horror. Jake Livingston was alright but kinda more visual than to my taste and The Haunting of Hill House is a favorite of mine specifically cause you don't see the spooks.

But I'm willing to try anything that's highly recommended!


r/LGBTBooks • • 9h ago

ISO Erotic queer lit-fic?

3 Upvotes

Hi! Looking for erotic lit-fic in the style of Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl , 100 Boyfriends , Mrs. S, etc. Anything that hints at a complicated relationship with the body when having sex is a bonus, especially if it's subtle enough that the protag could be trans but the reader can wonder.

Not looking for commercial "smut"-style writing or genre fic. I want to be wowed by beautiful sentences that I've never read before.


r/LGBTBooks • • 19h ago

Promo Lqtbq book app

1 Upvotes

The LGBTQ+ subscription reading app we need, the one we’ve all been dreaming about, is finally coming. Be part of the revolution.

It's a kickstarter that has reached their goal. Check out the items you get if you back the kickstarter. I'm getting two collectors editions of Melissa Tereze books. They have plenty of other items, even a discussion with a famous movie director.

Queer the Shelves, via @Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qts/queer-the-shelves?ref=android\\_project\\_share


r/LGBTBooks • • 12h ago

Discussion Crooked Sinners by Callie Hart Bonus Chapter????

2 Upvotes

Hello girlsss, I seem to remember reading a bonus chapter about Wren and that villainous English professor (first book characters). It was just a glimpse of that night, how they got intimate and then Wren stopped it. But now I can seem to find it anywhere. I explicitly remember it, because I have never read a mm scene and it was my first so yeah. Can you help me find it.


r/LGBTBooks • • 15h ago

Promo [Urban romantasy] Auspice & Animus - Marcella Caes: Slow-burn MMF/poly, eldritch immortals

2 Upvotes

Hey everybody! Found this subreddit searching in frustration after getting another 1-star review for having MM elements. So silver linings! 🌈

I'm a new queer author working on a trilogy, Book 1 already out, Book 2 coming out in November.

Two immortal, planet-building eldritch beings are locked in a billion year long will they/won't they as they pretend to be humans until a 35-year-old woman stumbles into the mix. She's essentially the chosen one because she's gone to counselling. It ends with a decently-sized poly constellation, MMMMMF.

Themes: Found family, belonging, immortality. Includes neurodiverse and trans representation.

I got inspired to write by a very frustrating end to an MM series and the valiant efforts of the writers on AO3. 🌈🌟

I just saw the short title rule so reposted to fix my word salad. Sorry mods TwT