Celebrating Diversity, Representation, & Inclusion in Media

Queer Books to Keep You Warm This Winter

12/20/2023

Compiled by Bren Coombs

Looking for a book to read by the fire this winter? We have compiled a list of some LGBTQIA+ romance novels that will warm your heart while you snuggle under a blanket with a hot drink.

Click the titles to be taken to each book's Goodreads page for more info.

Make Her Wish Come True by A.L. Brooks

"Abby Baxter’s burning ambition to be a reporter gets a boost when her journalist friend offers her a deal: Fake-date a woman for a story she’s writing on finding love, and she’ll swing Abby a co-writing credit. It’s a dream come true after so long looking for her big break. For years, life and raising her half-sister have gotten in the way.

Erica Goode works two jobs while all her spare energies are focused on her eight-year-old daughter. She would love a social life, but who has time? A deal to be wined and dined if she fakes a relationship sounds fun. Although, it’d help if she wasn’t attracted to her date quite so much. Oh, and if the woman wasn’t averse to children. Really, there’s no way anything can come of it. Right?"

If you like this, you may also like Set The Record Straight, Make You Mine This Christmas, or The Christmas Memory.

Nochebuena by Stephanie Shea

"Camila Morales is a hopeless romantic. Not that she thinks every couple is meant to be—she is a divorce lawyer, after all. But when her happy, married-thirty-years parents announce their own separation three weeks before Christmas, Cami’s world is turned upside down, especially since she’s been trying to feel her way through her own marital slump for months.

Sutton Davies is an imposter. At least, that’s what her therapist says. Or was it that she may have imposter syndrome? Same difference. With a promotion she’s not sure she deserves, a wife who’s definitely too good for her, and a best friend who’s always been in her corner, she should be fine. Perfect, even. But maybe that’s the problem—this unattainable quest for perfection—which is why she’s decided to focus on something she can control. Proving to Cami that this bout of spotty communication and dwindling intimacy is nothing but a blip."

If you like this, you may also like Two of a Kind, Honeymoon for One, or The Christmas Catch.

The Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert

"Gideon Holiday is the perfect neighbor. And he’s waited years for his hot, grumpy, silver fox neighbor, Paul, to need him. For anything. But this December, Gideon would be happy if he could just get the Scrooge-like Paul on board with the neighborhood holiday lights fundraiser.

Paul Frost has no intention of decking his halls or blazing any Yule logs. Paul would prefer to hide away until December is done. But when his beloved younger brother announces an unexpected visit, Paul needs all the trimmings for a festive homecoming—and fast.

Luckily, Gideon is there with a color-coded plan to save Christmas. Soon Paul’s hanging lights, trimming trees, and rolling out cookies. And steaming up his new flannel sheets with Gideon. How did that happen?"

If you like this, you may also like Mangos and Mistletoe, Christmas In Mistletoe, or A Sweetwater Christmas.

Where the Heart Is by Lily Seabrooke

"A cozy Christmas vacation romance between two childhood friends reunited after going separate ways for college, loaded up with only-one-bed, childhood-crush pining, a secret relationship, a messy family, an adorable kid who causes problems for everyone but she doesn’t mean to, Abigail’s ADHD making her want to pass out when there’s too many people squeezed into a room with her, and an elf—er, innkeeper, who knows a little bit of everything about what’s going on. Content warnings for on-page sex scenes, divorce, parental estrangement, familial tension around coming out, and romantic car sex.

It should be easy not to follow up an ill-advised whirlwind relationship with another. But Abigail can’t deny the sparks between her and Stella feel… different these days."

If you like this, you may also like On the Same Page, Under the Christmas Tree, or Holly Folly.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander

"A trans man returns to his Florida hometown for Christmas after his career goes up in flames, only to cross paths with his high school ex in this charming rom-com about family and second chances from the author of the “delectable” (Time) Chef’s Kiss.

Eli Ward hasn’t been back to his suffocating hometown in ages. Post-transition and sober, he’s a completely different person from the one who left years ago. But when a scandal threatens his career as a TV writer and comedian, he has no choice but to return home for the holidays.

Just when he thinks this trip couldn’t get any worse, Eli bumps into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who’s somehow hotter than ever. Divorced and in his forties, Nick’s world revolves around his father, his daughter, and his job. But even a busy life can’t keep him from being intrigued by the reappearance of Eli."

If you like this, you may also like Homestead for the Holidays or Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes.

All Wrapped Up in You by T.B. Markinson & Adrian J. Smith

"After a painful divorce, Mathilda “Mat” Kincaide has one clear vision. Ascend the throne of her family’s cherished chain of bookstores. Yet a mysterious troublemaker lurks in the heart of her store, intent on derailing Mat’s every ambition. She can’t be distracted, even if the new hire with her sizzling librarian appearance and saucy glances tempts Mat to bend her no relationship rule.

Camdyn Stone is a gifted writer. Or at least she was. With a looming deadline, Camdyn must complete a manuscript before Christmas or face financial ruin. Working at Kincaide Books is a refuge for this self-doubting one-hit-wonder. If only Camdyn could find inspiration for her next book in someone other than her sexy new boss."

If you like this, you may also like A Little Light or The Winter Glass House.

The 12 Kittens of Christmas by Amy Lane

"Killian Thornton likes his downtown life, tending bar, and enjoying time with his friends and community. He'd given up on passion long ago—he wasn't cut out for grand romance or dramatic gestures. Then one night, in a characteristic act of kindness, Killian offers his couch to help a friend's little brother find his feet in a new city.

Lewis Bernard, the funny, quirky guy happy to find a spot on Killian's couch, can’t believe his luck. The stunningly handsome bartender who lives downstairs from his brother offers Lewis his couch and doesn’t even balk when Lewis discovers two abandoned kittens in a vacant lot as they walk home.

Lewis starts to panic. He really wants to know Killian better, but with each act of kindness, Lewis falls further in love while ruining Killian's life."

If you like this, you may also like Catered All the Way or Christmas Mouse.

Fragments of the Heart by Ally McGuire

"Archeologist Kelly Pierce lives for adventure, weaving a tapestry of exploration, seeking out artifacts that whisper stories of the past. Always ready for the next expedition, she never thought Oklahoma would be on her map.

Shawn Scott thrives in predictability. As Director of Descriptive Statistics, numbers are her world, but people? They’re a puzzle. So, collaborating with a British archaeologist is an incongruous with her routine as a desert oasis in the Arctic.

But when a new site is temporarily exposed in Alaska, Kelly and Shawn unite, racing against time to claim the artifacts. Amidst the treacherous terrain and chilling uncertainties, they grapple not only with the elements but with the awakening of emotions neither anticipated."

If you like this, you may also like Cabin Fever, In the Event of Love, or Home for the Holidays.

A Holly Jolly Christmas by Emily Wright

"Holly hasn’t been home for two years. Ever since her brother died, Mistleberry is a haunting ground full of history she’s tried to escape. Her family are grieving, her ex won’t stop calling, and bumping into Vicky Castleton puts the cherry on the crumbling Christmas cake.

Because Holly’s first love and biggest regret looks better than ever.

Holly tries to heal the holes in her heart as her family—and persistent best friend—keep pushing her to confront her past. But the more time she spends with her old flame, the more she’s hit with the undeniable truth: her heart has never let go of Vicky. Time’s running out, and years of hiding away and shielding herself have left her with the question: can she conquer her ghosts this Christmas, and risk it all for love?"

If you like this, you may also like Life in Bits or Long Time Coming.

Hen Fever by Olivia Waite

"Lydia Wraxhall is on her best behavior every day of the year—except one: the annual Bickerton Christmas Poultry Show. On that day she brushes her birds, sharpens her tongue, and engages in the closest thing the village knows to war.

Harriet Boyne is a soldier’s widow reeling from the worst years of her life. She and her friends have inherited a manor on the village outskirts, and Harriet is looking forward to a quiet holiday far from the anguish of the battlefield.

But a dispute over a flock of loose chickens draws Harriet into the competition under Lydia’s grudging guidance. Harriet’s frozen heart is thawed by Lydia’s gentleness, and lonely Lydia blossoms under Harriet’s keen regard. But the day of the poultry show is fast approaching, and everyone’s drawing up battle lines. "

If you like this, you may also like Storm in Her Heart or Three Kings.

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Long Live Love is more than a standard rom-com.

7/4/2023

2 Comments

by Emily Fisher

M PICTURES/Am Wahaha Co., Ltd.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Long Live Love is a film that bucks convention. Think you’re here for a romcom? Think again! It is a film with great depth and themes that challenge the viewer to expect more from a film than a standard romantic love story.

The drama follows party-animal Sati (Sunny Suwanmethanont), a man who has devoted his life to seeking pleasure for himself and himself alone. This attitude has left a broken family at home. Meta, (Chompoo- Araya A. Hargate) his wife, is preparing to leave him. At age 15, his daughter, Namo (Becky- Rebecca Armstrong) is already jaded from a lifetime of broken promises.

Fortunes align to give Sati a chance at redemption. When he gets amnesia following a car accident, Sati returns home as a new man. He displays kindness and a caring demeanor that are initially met with skepticism from his family, whose trust he lost many years (and dozens of selfish escapades) ago. By chance, Sati discovers he can regain memories by recreating old photographs and, through these photos, he is forced to confront his past. The more he discovers about his past actions, the more he becomes disgusted by the man he used to be. Can he really change?

Sati and Meta recreating an old photo. (M PICTURES/Am Wahaha Co., Ltd.)

Meta, Sati’s wife, has the same questions. At times, she is charmed by this new version of her husband and tempted to reignite their flame. However, scarred deeply by years of cheating, neglect and manipulation at his hand, rebuilding will not be easy.

The roles of Sati and Meta are demanding, requiring a depth and range of emotions that few in the film industry could deliver with ease. But both Sunny and Chompoo passed that test, providing moving performances that have rightfully earned them early award buzz in the Thai press.

The tone of this film is heavy and, with a run time of over 2 hours, there are some moments where the plot could drag. Thankfully, Director Mook-Piyakarn Bootprasert incorporated elements of humor and levity throughout to help with the pacing. Scenes with present-day Namo and her Uncle Santi (Pompam Niti Chaichitathorn) are refreshing standouts.

Meta, Namo, and Uncle Santi in a scene from Long Live Love. (M PICTURES/Am Wahaha Co., Ltd.)

Namo’s character is particularly intriguing. Not just a moody teenager, Namo carries with her the jaded weariness of a person several decades her senior; her eyes tell the story of a girl who has already lost her zeal for life. This is portrayed delicately and artfully by newcomer Becky Armstrong, who was well cast. Amidst a line-up of industry veterans, Becky rose to the challenge, and we look forward to seeing what she brings to future roles.

Namo’s Uncle Santi is an absolute delight in each of his scenes. He has great comedic timing and chemistry with each and every member of the cast. The inclusion of a queer character was a welcome nod to the progress Thailand has made recently in terms of understanding and acceptance of queer and gender non-conforming identities. In a story centered around the concept of love, in all its forms, it is wonderful to see a queer character who embraces his queer identity and is embraced by those around him.

Which brings us back to this film and its overarching theme: love- in its many forms.

In the film’s fraught, climactic moment, Meta desperately asks how she can forgive Sati and love him again when she does not even forgive herself, bringing our lead characters to their ultimate crossroad. Will they work to reconcile and rebuild their family, or choose an altruistic expression of love by letting each other go, in search of their own happiness and healing?

Long Live Love is a film that finds strength in defying traditional cinematic formulas. No, this is not merely a film about romantic love, it is a story about love and the struggle to find love in all its forms.

Wherever this article finds you, I hope you find love on your journey, too. Long Live Love ❤️

Our interview with Long Live Love Director Mook-Piyakarn Bootprasert and Actor Becky-Rebecca Armstrong is coming later this week!

UPDATE: Full interview can be found here!