T5W: Favourite LGBTQ+ Books That Don’t Feature Cis M/M Relationships

Hi all!

So it’s been a while since I’ve participated in Top 5 Wednesday, but when I saw this week’s prompt, I just knew I had to join in!

Top 5 Wednesday was created by Lainey @ Gingerreadslainey and is now hosted by Sam @ Thoughts On Tomes. Join the T5W Goodreads group here.

This week’s topic is …

Favourite LGBTQ+ Books That Don’t Feature Cis M/M Relationships

Sam discussed her reasoning for choosing this specific topic. She said:

… in honor of Pride being this month, I wanted to have a topic to celebrate LGBTQ+ books. But, the book community tends to, when given the chance, lift up cis m/m pairings the most. And while those books are still important and valued (we’ve even had topics covering m/m relationships earlier this year, which featured many cis m/m pairings), I wanted to shine the spotlight on some of those lesser known, recognized, and celebrated books.

Good on you, Sam!! That’s something many of us have noticed in the book community. When given the chance, people have a tendency to celebrate cis m/m pairings, while ignoring the many non cis relationships out there, as well as f/f pairings.

I understand that a lot of people many only just be beginning to read LGBTQ+ books and it’s easier to start with m/m (that’s where I started too!), but if you’re only reading cis m/m books, it might be worth looking into that and deconstructing the reasons why.

Also, massive shoutout to Laya Rose, whose artwork I have used in this post with credit. Please go check out Laya’s incredible artwork here.

So, without further ado, here’s my list of favourite books featuring non cis m/m pairings!

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

by Laya

If you don’t know by now, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of my favourite books. This novel is just exquisite from the plot to the writing to the characters. It also features one of the most beautiful romantic relationships I’ve ever read, between two Hollywood actresses, Evelyn and Celia. Evelyn is a Cuban bisexual woman and Celia is a lesbian woman, and their love honestly gives me hope. The way these two women love and care for one another is so touching and inspirational. I love them so much.

2. Peter Darling by Austin Chant

by Book Sorceress

Oh my goodness, Peter Darling is an incredible novel that I really encourage all people to read. Peter, a trans man, returns to Neverland for the first time in years and goes after Captain Hook, only to find himself falling for the pirate captain. Peter and Captain Hook’s relationship is super intense, and I was glued to the page, desperate for them to get together. Such a beautiful book! (I couldn’t find fanart for Peter and Hook 😔)

3. When the Moon was Ours by Anne-Marie McLemore

by Laya

When the Moon was Ours is one of the most gorgeous novels I’ve ever read. Not only is the writing lyrical, but the romance in this novel is so touching. Childhood best friends Miel and Sam have always had an intense relationship, but it develops into romance in this novel. Both Miel and Sam are Latinx, and Sam is a trans boy. I highly recommend this novel and anything else written by McLemore.

4. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

by Laya

I read Of Fire and Stars a few weeks ago and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Denna and Mare are the cutest characters I’ve ever come across. I was literally squealing everytime they interacted with one another. In the novel, Denna discovers that she is a lesbian, and Mare is bisexual. These two princesses are amazing and I can’t wait to read more about them in their sequel coming out next year.

5. The Abyss Surrounds Us by Emily Skrutskie 

by Laya

My brain while reading this book was one long line of “adhfkashfd”. I seriously can’t recommend this book enough – it’s got pirates, sea monsters and lesbians. What more could you ask for? Cas and Swift are incredible and their romance hooked me from the beginning. Cas is Asian and a lesbian, and Swift is a lesbian, too. I just … read this book, damn you.

So those are my favourite LGBTQ+ books featuring a non-cis m/m pairing! What are your favourites? Let me know!