TL;DR
- Find the perfect queer beach read for your zodiac sign
- Explore a mix of romance and adventure
- Includes titles from various LGBTQ authors
- Perfect reads for summer outings
- Get ready for your beach trip with these recommendations
Welcome to Cancer Season! The longest day of the year has officially come and gone, which means it’s time to pack your beach bag and head to your local gay beach. But wait—don’t forget to bring along a fabulous book to keep you entertained while you soak up the sun. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of incredible LGBTQ+ literature out there, fear not! We’ve curated the ultimate list of queer beach reads tailored to your zodiac sign. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s dive in!
Are you still riding high from the Heated Rivalry craze? This recently released rivals-to-lovers sapphic sports romance is sure to quench your thirst. It follows Jess, a star volleyball player suffering a crisis of confidence after a losing streak. Ahead of a high-stakes championship, she falls for her rival, the stunning and polished Vivienne. Come for the (extremely Aries-coded) spirit of competition, and stay for the fun summer romp.
If you’re a hedonist at heart, you’ll love bestselling author Casey McQuiston’s hilarious and steamy #BiForBi romance. Our protagonists Theo and Kit, exes who haven’t spoken since their breakup four years ago, are reunited when they accidentally book the same food and wine tour across Europe. Cue the mouth-watering descriptions of their decadent meals—and plenty of smoking-hot make-up sex!
Geminis, you’ll be captivated by this Kim Narby novel that unfolds a messy tale of a trio of queer friends whose lives implode after a bombshell admission. Trace, who’s engaged to Silvia, confesses that she’s actually in love with their best friend, Jordan. Chaos ensues, obviously, and this page-turner is packed with juicy dialogue and memorable details.
For you Cancers, this charming queer romance from bestselling author TJ Alexander is set against the backdrop of a trip home to visit family in Florida for the holidays. It’s a second-chance romance featuring a hot divorcé and literal father in his forties. Get into it!
Leos, fantasizing about a summer getaway? This novel is about as close as you can get to the Italian countryside without booking a flight. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer tells the tale of a gay aspiring archivist who spends the summer abroad working for a flamboyant Baronessa named Coco. It’s witty, a little soapy, and positively sun-soaked—all qualities you look for in a beach read.
Virgos, you’ll appreciate this gripping debut novel from Tessa Yang that follows Jo, a marine biologist researching jellyfish. Still mourning the loss of her best friend, she’s called upon by her ex-situationship from college, Nadia, to investigate a giant jellyfish terrorizing her town. You’ll love Jo’s commitment to her work and the memorable cast of characters in her orbit.
ISO a flirty, funny beach read with plenty of heart? Look no further than Rose Dommu’s debut romance novel. Our protagonist, Julia, is a trans woman poised to be the best woman at her brother’s wedding. When she learns that her high school crush, Kim, is the bride of honor, she tells a small lie to win her over, which quickly spirals out of control. Come for the romance elements, stay for the heartwarming depictions of biological and found family.
Scorpios, a queer modern gothic that plays with power dynamics is right up your alley. This book follows a struggling Brooklyn artist named Jonah who’s wooed by Richard, an older, richer, and more successful playwright. Many scenes take place in Richard’s Hamptons summer home, where Jonah’s idyllic vacation devolves into a violent nightmare. Not the lightest beach read, but you prefer your books dark and twisty anyway.
Three words for you Sagittarians: lesbian space travel. Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid strikes gold again with this historical fiction novel about a pioneering female astronaut in the ’80s whose secret queer relationship jeopardizes her lofty career ambitions. The high-stakes story will grip you right away, but its themes of self-discovery and integrity make it the perfect pick.
Capricorns, you’re built differently, and you’ll love this nonfiction pick. Author Rachel Karp spent over 100 hours interviewing lesbian bar owners and regulars for this compelling chronicle of sapphic spaces past and present. It’s a living history that you’ll appreciate.
As the eccentric of the zodiac, this time-bending multiverse novel will instantly appeal to you, Aquarians. Protagonist Tressa Fay, a queer hairstylist, asks the elusive Meryl out on a date after receiving a text from her by accident. When Meryl stands her up, Tressa writes it off as a loss—until she learns Meryl has been missing the whole time and actually comes from a parallel universe. Can they make it work despite living in different timelines? You’ll have to read to find out.
Finally, no queer beach reads round-up would be complete without a book that takes place on Fire Island. This fantasy-romance is equal parts escapist and emotional—perfect for a sensitive sign like you, Pisces. Author Blair Fell transports us back to the summer of ‘89, with protagonist Joe heading to the storied gay beach for the first time to heal after losing his boyfriend to HIV/AIDS. He’s taken in by an eclectic group of older gays, who reveal they’re part of a secret disco-witch coven destined to protect the island. It’s packed full of hope, humor, and steaminess to balance out the heavy themes.
So there you have it, the best queer beach reads for your zodiac sign! Get ready to soak up the sun and enjoy some fabulous literature this summer!