They Both Die at The End by Adam Silvera

Contemporary and contemplative, launch yourself into an alternative universe where a company predicts the date of your death and kindly informs you that you have 24 hours to live. The novel follows the stories of Mateo and Rufus who are both respectively informed of their inevitable and impending demise and find themselves in each other’s company. The countdown of their lives begins as one accompanies them through various experiences that they live out including Make-A-Moment, graveyard visits and more. While straightforward, the novel did have us wishing we had more time too.

Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Love a forbidden royal romance? Then Red White & Royal Blue is BookTube’s number one recommendation for you. Sink into the story of Alex, the first son of the United States, as he falls in love with the British Prince, Henry and there ensues a romance that could possibly sabotage a campaign and wreck chaos in both countries. A breezy read, this novel will have you laughing at the playful banter between Alex and Henry and at the same time drag you to the edge of your seat as they struggle to keep their romance a secret from the whole world and risk being found out as they sneak around to find ways to spend time with each other.

Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson

Ever heard that falling in love feels like magic? Well, Before We Disappear marries the elements of love and magic. A queer historical romance set in the year 1909 at the Seattle Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition, read about two ambitious magicians, Jack and Wilhelm, who fall in love even as they are working for opposite sides. The very epitome of star-crossed lovers, this book will leave you amazed with its upbeat dynamics. The question that remains is if their love will survive the odds or will the magic between them will die out as they are forced to make a choice? If we need to convince you once more: rivals to lovers.

The Brilliant Death by A.R. Capetta

If you’re looking for a novel with a magical world, led by badass gender-fluid protagonists, this novel is your answer. The Brilliant Death captivates you with its 19th-century Italy-esque setting and its unique magic system. Join Teodora, the daughter of a mafia lord, whose unique power includes turning people into objects, as she embarks on a sinister mission to save her father, wagering everything she has in this peculiar plot. If you love a rich and detailed world-building, this is your match.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

If you’ve had an eye out for Jimmy Fallon’s summer read then the title is no stranger to you. Melodious and marvellous, this sapphic tale is heartwarming and humorous. Join August as she moves into the Big Apple and discovers the mysterious Jane on her daily subway commute. Intrigued by her peculiar crush, August is quick to discover that Jane isn’t just a mysterious person but also displaced in time from the 70s and comes to her aid. Beautiful in its characterization, One Last Stop will have you rooting for Jane and August till the last page.

I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver

Accompany Ben De Backer as they are forced to move in with their sister and her husband when kicked out after coming out as a non-binary individual. Struggling to keep a low profile in school, things take a brighter turn as Nathan Allan, a humorous and charismatic student, befriends them, changing the course of Ben’s life gradually. The friendship proceeds, feelings change and romance blooms in this groundbreaking novel that impacted many across the globe. The book is sublime in its utterance on the theme of coming out, friendship, love and life. I Wish You All The Best is like a warm hug to all our non-binary friends as topics of identity and acceptance is beautifully explored.

Ash by Malinda Lo

A sapphic fairy-tale retelling. Need we say more? Lo brings to life a beautiful modern spin to Cinderella in this young-adult fantasy novel. Lo reimagines Cinderella through the life of a teenager called Ash. From chasing fairies to hunting with the King’s Huntress, Ash does it all as she braves into uncharted territories. Lush storytelling meets adventurous arcs as delicate bonds are formed and Ash finds herself choosing between the fairies and hunt.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The historic fiction novel navigates the life of the titular Evelyn Hugo, an old Hollywood actress who chooses to recount the true story of her life to journalist Monique Grant with whom she shares an underlying connection unbeknownst to the latter. Reid navigates socio-political turmoil and discrimination existing when it came to loving freely and openly in conservative times. Travel with Evelyn on a path of self-discovery and acceptance as she reminds us all that it is never too late to accept yourself and one should love strongly and without shame as you unravel the truth behind the seven husbands. This novel is sure to have you screaming in joy, support and drowning in tears as it beckons you on an emotional journey.

City of Strife by Claudie Arseneault

Talk about a novel that brings holistic representation across the spectrum and add a bonus fantasy genre, City of Strife is your match. First in a series, embark on an adventure where after 130 years, Arathiel steps back into his hometown, Isandor, to search for a lost belonging. Things take a darker turn when a friend is accused of an assasination. It is up to Arathiel to step up, risk it all and clear a friend’s name even at the cost of his own life. The question is — can their bonds survive and the magical city survive the ripples of their actions? But the thing we loved the most is the loveable and well-drawn ensemble of characters that gave us more friends for this journey.

Loveless by Alice Oseman

Aro-ace representation is something that we seldom see in YA novels. Loveless features an aro-ace protagonist, Georgia, who struggles with her identity. The novel takes us through the very sought-after university life and a girl with a plan to find her match. Realistic and wholesome, the novel brings the natural process of figuring things out into light, especially in a new environment. Relatable and loveable, Loveless is a delightful coming-out story that will warm your heart this wintry season.