This Week in Queer — Week of April 6, 2026

Queer literature is thriving, and readers are devouring stories that showcase diverse identities, experiences, and relationships. The current trend in Queer books is dominated by romance, sports, and contemporary themes, with many readers drawn to stories that blend these genres. The popularity of hockey-themed romances, in particular, has been a notable trend, with authors like Rachel Reid leading the charge. As the genre continues to evolve, it's exciting to see a growing range of voices and perspectives being represented, from debut authors to established powerhouses.

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Published: 2023-04-18

Heated Rivalry is a steamy hockey romance that follows the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two pro hockey players who must navigate their secret relationship while competing against each other on the ice. With its enemies-to-lovers trope and sports romance themes, this book has resonated with readers who enjoy a good love story with a healthy dose of competition and tension.

Stats: 354474 → 362008 (+7534) — The consistent growth of Heated Rivalry's popularity demonstrates the enduring appeal of hockey romances and the demand for more stories featuring queer characters in sports.

Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Published: 2024-10-01

Game Changer is another hockey romance by Rachel Reid, this one focusing on the story of Scott Hunter and Kip Grady as they navigate their blossoming relationship amidst the pressures of professional hockey. With its blend of sports, romance, and contemporary themes, this book has struck a chord with readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong emotional core.

Stats: 185686 → 191120 (+5434) — The notable growth of Game Changer's popularity highlights the success of Rachel Reid's formula for crafting compelling hockey romances that also explore the complexities of queer relationships.

The Long Game by Rachel Reid

Published: 2022-04-26

The Long Game is a romance novel that follows the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as they navigate the challenges of their secret relationship over the course of several years. With its blend of sports, romance, and contemporary themes, this book has appealed to readers who enjoy a good love story with a strong focus on character development and relationship growth.

Stats: 195709 → 198278 (+2569) — The steady growth of The Long Game's popularity demonstrates the enduring appeal of Rachel Reid's work and the demand for more stories featuring queer characters in sports.

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

Published: 2024-10-01

Tough Guy is a romance novel that follows the story of Ryan Price, a pro hockey player struggling with anxiety, as he navigates his blossoming relationship with Fabian Salah, an aspiring musician. With its blend of sports, romance, and contemporary themes, this book has resonated with readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong emotional core.

Stats: 94301 → 95912 (+1611) — The growth of Tough Guy's popularity highlights the success of Rachel Reid's ability to craft compelling stories that explore the complexities of queer relationships and identities.

Role Model by Rachel Reid

Published: 2021-08-10

Role Model is a romance novel that follows the story of Troy Barrett, a pro hockey player, as he navigates his relationships with his teammates, including Ilya Rozanov and Wyatt Hayes, and Harris Drover, the team's social media manager. With its blend of sports, romance, and contemporary themes, this book has appealed to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong focus on relationships and personal growth.

Stats: 88092 → 89623 (+1531) — The steady growth of Role Model's popularity demonstrates the enduring appeal of Rachel Reid's work and the demand for more stories featuring queer characters in sports.

Thirty Love by Tom Vellner

Published: 2026-03-10

Thirty Love is a debut gay sports romcom that follows the story of Leo Chambers, an American tennis star, as he navigates his blossoming relationship with Gabe Montoya, his longtime nemesis on the tennis tour. With its blend of sports, romance, and contemporary themes, this book has resonated with readers who enjoy a good love story with a healthy dose of competition and tension.

Stats: 848 → 923 (+75) — The notable growth of Thirty Love's popularity highlights the demand for more stories featuring queer characters in sports and the potential for debut authors to make a splash in the genre.

Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian

Published: 2026-03-03

Star Shipped is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Simon and Charlie, two actors on a long-running sci-fi show, as they navigate their blossoming relationship amidst the challenges of their public personas and personal struggles. With its blend of romance, contemporary themes, and queer characters, this book has appealed to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong emotional core.

Stats: 3573 → 3796 (+223) — The growth of Star Shipped's popularity highlights the success of Cat Sebastian's foray into contemporary romance and the demand for more stories featuring queer characters in the genre.

Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar

Published: 2026-03-24

Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories is a collection of short stories that blend fantasy, science fiction, and queer themes. With its unique blend of genres and perspectives, this book has resonated with readers who enjoy exploring new and innovative storytelling.

Stats: 548 → 588 (+40) — The growth of Seasons of Glass and Iron's popularity highlights the demand for more diverse and innovative storytelling in the queer genre.

How to Fake It in Society by K.J. Charles

Published: 2026-04-28

How to Fake It in Society is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte, as he navigates his relationships and secrets in 19th-century London. With its blend of historical themes, romance, and queer characters, this book has appealed to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong focus on relationships and personal growth.

Stats: 176 → 198 (+22) — The growth of How to Fake It in Society's popularity highlights the demand for more stories featuring queer characters in historical settings and the success of K.J. Charles's work in the genre.

Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die by Greer Stothers

Published: 2026-02-03

Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die is a queer fantasy romance novel that follows the story of Sir Cameron and Merulo, a sorcerer, as they navigate their relationships and secrets in a fantastical world. With its blend of fantasy, romance, and queer themes, this book has resonated with readers who enjoy exploring new and innovative storytelling.

Stats: 2159 → 2243 (+84) — The growth of Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die's popularity highlights the demand for more diverse and innovative storytelling in the queer genre.

Queer Pick of the Week

This week's standout recommendation is Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, a steamy hockey romance that has captivated readers with its blend of sports, romance, and queer themes. With its compelling characters, emotional storytelling, and healthy dose of competition and tension, Heated Rivalry is a must-read for fans of the genre. Reid's masterful storytelling and nuanced characterization make this book an unforgettable read, and its exploration of queer identities and relationships is both authentic and heartfelt. If you're looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you feeling satisfied, look no further than Heated Rivalry.