This Week in LGBT — Week of June 22, 2026

Most Read LGBT Books This Week

The Call-Up by K.C. Carmichael

Published: June 12, 2026

A sexy, forbidden love story set in the world of hockey, The Call-Up follows rookie NHL player who finds himself in a complicated relationship with his brother’s former teammate. As they navigate their undeniable attraction amidst professional expectations, the stakes rise both on and off the ice. This thrilling M/M romance captures a blend of ambition and romance unique to sports narratives.

Stats: 715 → 1,027 (+312) — This debut has surged into #1 with a remarkable +44% growth, indicating strong interest in the new release among readers and highlighting its compelling themes of love and ambition in sports.

Dearly Departed by Chip Pons

Published: June 16, 2026

In this Hades-inspired gay rom-com, a grumpy funeral director must confront his past life as a god while navigating a blossoming romance with a charming florist. This witty and imaginative tale explores themes of love, life, and rebirth, with a mix of humor and fantasy that flows seamlessly together.

Stats: 658 → 936 (+278) — Securing the #2 spot, this title has also debuted strongly with a 42% increase in ratings, suggesting an enthusiastic reception in the contemporary fantasy romance segment.

Girls Just Wanna Have Sun by Rachel Lacey

Published: May 26, 2026

This second-chance sapphic romance sees a woman confront her past while vacationing with friends. A playful "yes day" challenge brings her into delightful flirtations with a love from eight years ago, adding both comedic and heartfelt moments to this summer romance.

Stats: 4,541 → 4,797 (+256) — Though the growth is relatively modest at +5.6%, this title demonstrates solid traction within a busy release landscape, suggesting its appeal may hold steady as summer romances become more prominent.

Rising in LGBT

Dhampira by Amy Pennza

Published: June 16, 2026

A thrilling romantasy, Dhampira follows a half-vampire as she navigates court intrigue and romantic suitors in a perilous society. With a blend of adventure and romance, this story captivates readers fond of suspenseful and fantastical narratives.

Stats: 352 → 499 (+147, 42%) — This debut climbs to #1 in the rising category with notable interest, showcasing the allure of vampire lore combined with queer narratives that resonate with audiences seeking fresh takes on fantasy.

A Prince Among Pirates by Katie Abdou

Published: June 16, 2026

This adventure-packed debut features a nobleman who stumbles into piracy and a romance with the ship's captain. Set against a backdrop of swashbuckling exploits, this story blends humor, action, and LGBTQ representation in a richly drawn historical setting.

Stats: 219 → 327 (+108, 49%) — With a significant upswing in readership, this title gains traction as it moves into the #2 spot among rising books, showcasing the growing interest in historical and queer narratives.

Moss'd in Space by Rebecca Thorne

Published: June 30, 2026

A quirky, cozy sci-fi novel features a protagonist who unwittingly becomes a captain of a moss-covered starship. With humor and adventure, this story invites readers into a whimsical world combining science fiction with LGBTQ romance.

Stats: 322 → 391 (+69, 21%) — The steady growth in ratings indicates a positive reception for a limited release right before its official launch, hinting at a niche but enthusiastic audience for cozy, queer science fiction.

LGBT Pick of the Week

Pick of the Week goes to The Call-Up — not just for its strong debut of +312 ratings but because its +44% growth outperforms every other 2026 release, indicating a formidable interest in sports romance narratives. This reflects the increasing importance of LGBTQ representation in popular genres, particularly amidst budding readers engaging with fresh, new themes.