New Month, New Moon, New Queer Reads: 15 Must-Read LGBTQ+ Books for February 2025
- Daniel Hope
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
A new month means a fresh start, a renewed TBR, and let’s be honest—a whole new pile of books to add to the stack I swear I’ll get to soon. But this isn’t just any month—it’s February, the season of new beginnings, fresh reading goals, and a time to embrace change as we step into the Lunar New Year.
The Year of the Snake is bringing transformation, wisdom, and a little bit of self-reflection—which, if you ask me, sounds like the perfect excuse to dive into some of the most exciting LGBTQ+ book releases of the year. Whether you're looking for sapphic fantasy, queer historical love, or a good old-fashioned messy detective mystery, February has got you covered.
So, grab your tote bag, clear some space on your nightstand, and get ready to update your reading list with these 15 must-read LGBTQ+ books hitting the shelves this month.
Why Your Bookshelf Deserves a Lunar New Year Refresh
Let’s be real—queer stories matter. They help us feel seen, validated, and a little less alone in a world that sometimes still likes to pretend we don’t exist.
And with a new year (both solar and lunar) upon us, what better way to mark a fresh chapter than expanding your literary horizons? Books have always been a way to celebrate identity, community, and transformation—all things the Lunar New Year represents. So, if your bookshelves could use a little new energy, I’ve got just the list for you.
February’s Must-Read LGBTQ+ Books
February 4, 2025
The Bones Beneath My Skin – TJ Klune - A speculative fiction novel following a queer protagonist navigating identity and belonging. New edition! (preorder now)
Mutual Interest – Olivia Wolfgang-Smith - A historical queer love story set in early 20th-century New York, exploring marriage, business, and identity. (preorder now)
Victorian Psycho – Virginia Feito - A psychological thriller featuring a sociopathic governess, gothic tension, and queer undertones. (preorder now)
Deep End – Ali Hazelwood - Sapphic sports romance? Olympic-level drama? Sign me up!
Alligator Tears – Edgar Gomez - A coming-of-age literary novel exploring queer Latinx identity and the complexities of home and family. (preorder now)
Cleavage: Men, Women, and the Space Between Us – Jennifer Finney Boylan - A hilarious and moving memoir about gender, identity, and society’s obsession with binaries.
February 6, 2025
Thank You For Calling the Lesbian Line – Elizabeth Lovatt - A novel based on the real-life history of a 90s lesbian helpline, full of longing, queer friendships, and heartfelt moments. (preorder now)
This Ends in Embers – Kamilah Cole - Fantasy lovers, this one's for you! A sapphic romantasy packed with magic, mystery, and romance. (preorder now)
A World Worth Saving – Kyle Lukoff - A YA novel that blends Jewish mythology, trans identity, and a world on the brink of change. (preorder now)
February 11, 2025
Loca – Alejandro Heredia - A contemporary novel that explores queer Latinx experiences, intersectionality, and the messiness of love. (preorder now)
But Not Too Bold – Hache Pueyo - Sapphic monster romance? Gothic fantasy? Dark academia? Say no more! (preorder now)
Where Shadows Bloom – Catherine Bakewell - If you love sapphic knights, magical realms, and high-stakes adventure, this one's calling your name. (preorder now)
February 13, 2025
The South – Tash Aw - A coming-of-age novel set in 90s Malaysia, exploring queerness, class, and identity. (preorder now)
February 18, 2025
Hungerstone – Kat Dunn - Inspired by Carmilla, this sapphic gothic horror novel is dripping in eerie atmosphere and romance. (preorder now)
A Long Time Gone – Joshua Moehling - Queer detective Ben Packard is back, and this time, he's tackling a decades-old disappearance with shocking twists. (preorder now)
February 25, 2025
Dead in the Frame – Stephen Spotswood - Queer historical mystery lovers, this one’s for you—another installment in the Pentecost and Parker detective series. (preorder now)
What’s Going on Your Lunar New Year TBR?
So, the big question: which of these books are you picking up first? Or, if you're like me, which ones are you preordering and pretending you'll get to before the next batch of releases lands?
Drop your must-reads in the comments and let’s chat all things queer lit! And if you need me, I’ll be celebrating the Lunar New Year by staring lovingly at my bookshelves, wondering how on earth I’ll ever get through them all.
Queerly Yours,
Daniel
(dates correct as when this post was written, release/availability dates subject to change)
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