Kwei Quarty, author of Whitewashed Tombs, left and Emma R. Alban, author of You’re The Problem It’s You, right
Melissa Whitler | NBCU Fellow
Melissa@DallasVoice.com
Looking for some new LGBTQ reads to cozy up with this fall? From steamy romances, exciting adventures and thrilling mysteries, there’s something out there to satisfy every LGBTQ book lover this fall.
The Pairing
by Casey McQuiston
For fans of Red, White, & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston is back with another sexy romcom — The Pairing, this time following two bisexual exes. Theo Flowerday and Kit Fairfield are childhood best friends- turned lovers who are now estranged exes. After an especially vicious fight on the flight to their dream European vacation, the two have not spoken in four years.
Theo returned to America and has spent time training to be a sommelier and opening their own mobile bar business. Kit instead went to France to pursue his dream of going to pastry school. Both are figuring their life out, and they definitely do not miss each other.
Now the unused voucher to the European tour is about to expire, and Theo decides the trip is exactly what they need before taking the sommelier test. Except when they board the tour bus, Kit is there.
With backing out feeling like accepting defeat, the two are stuck on a three-week trip across the most romantic cities of Europe. To prove there is no longer anything between them, the pair challenge each other to a hook-up competition.
Through a slutty bisexual summer galivanting across France, Spain, and Italy, McQuiston transports the reader while weaving a delicious tale of reconciling lovers. The Pairing goes on sale Aug. 6.
You’re the Problem It’s You
by Emma R. Alban
The sequel to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, You’re the Problem It’s You presents an enemies-to-lovers tale of two young lords. For those looking for a queer twist on Bridgerton, this one’s for you.
Bobby Mason is the second son in an aristocratic family looking for his purpose. James Demeroven is a newly-crowned viscount feeling like a disappointment. Forced together by their cousins, Beth and Gwen, the two can barely make it through a conversation. Then an extortionist threatens their families, and the boys realize they have more in common than they thought — and that their hatred might be misplaced passion.
A wonderful tale of mischief and matchmaking, You’re the Problem It’s You, on sale Aug. 27, is a touching story of two men learning how to live their truth in a society centered around heterosexual marriage.
The Whitewashed Tombs
by Kwei Quarty
A mystery set in Ghana, The Whitewashed Tombs is a fictional story that deals with the real-world homophobia of the country. A young LGBTQ activist has been murdered, and PI Emma Djan has been hired to oversee the case. She must go undercover in the International Congress of Families, an organization trying to criminalize homosexuality in Africa.
This is Quarty’s fourth novel in the Emma Djan series. Inspired by the real-life battle over an anti-LGBTQ bill in Ghana, Quarty wanted to highlight the continued need for advocacy in the area. Filled with plot twists and surprising discoveries, The Whitewashed Tombs, on sale September 3, is a timely novel on the current state of LGBTQ rights.
This Will Be Fun by E. B. Asher
Described as a cozy romantasy, This Will Be Fun follows a group of friends who have not spoken since saving the world 10 years ago. Now they have been invited to the queen’s wedding and must face their past.
Originally a group of four, the now-trio must once again come together to save the realm. Missing their leader, the valiant Galwell the Great, Beatrice, Elowen and Clare have to learn how to work together. Except Clare and Beatrice both have unresolved feelings about their long-ago fling, and Elowen must face their former flame. Faced with magical truth or dare, pumpkin brews and sword fights, will the heroes be able to make it through this quest?
Each of the heroes carries baggage that keeps them from opening up with each other. Beatrice is fresh off a divorce and still feels guilt over Galwell’s death. Elowen has sequestered herself away and sworn off all human connection. And Clare feels he must fill the void left by Galwell and play the part of the gentlemanly hero.
Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride and People We Meet on Vacation, This Will Be Fun, on sale Sept.10, offers a look at what happens after the quest is won and done.