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I never expected to fall in love with romantic suspense until I found Prophet. I came across it by chance at San Diego’s Mysterious Galaxy bookstore while on vacation and was soon captivated by how its intricate, danger-filled plot heightened the tension between its two leads. While it was a standalone, I could have easily read ten more books following special agents Sunil Rao and Adam Rubenstein. If I couldn’t have that, I needed to find more queer suspense novels.
Right now, romantic suspense novels starring LGBTQIA+ leads are few and far between. But thankfully, the ones that we have are well worth the read. These five queer romantic suspense novels stand out for their twisty plots and chemistry, with a mix of speculative and real-world settings. Hopefully, publishers take note and this list reignites interest in the subgenre!
Prophet by Helen MacDonald and Sin Blaché
This sci-fi mystery stars ex-M16 agent Sunil Rao and American intelligence officer Adam Rubenstein, former partners who reunite despite their painful history to track down a drug with strange, reality-altering abilities. As Rao and Rubenstein seek answers as dangerous as the drug itself, their relationship is redefined and pushed to its limits.
Securing Ava by Anne Shade
Eager to escape the danger of her previous career in counterintelligence, Paige Richards starts a private detective agency in Oklahoma. Her latest case, however, threatens her life and challenges her emotions in ways she never expected. Tracking down missing heiress Ava Prescott seems simple enough, until she realizes her employers are not acting in Ava’s best interest.
Cover Story by Rachel Lacey
After a near-fatal stalking incident leaves Hollywood actress Natalie Kean traumatized, she agrees to hire security. To maintain her privacy, bodyguard Taylor Vaughn agrees to pose as her girlfriend. The extra protection is meant to give Natalie peace of mind, but she can’t ignore the real tension between her and Taylor.
Liar City by Allie Therin
Set in an alternate Seattle where those with magic abilities are feared and misunderstood, this series starter follows a 26-year-old empath named Reece Davies. When a U.S. senator known for her strict anti-empath policies is murdered, it’s up to Reece and a special agent known as the Dead Man to catch the killer—all while growing dangerously close to each other.
Both Ways by Ileandra Young
Danika Karson is a special agent for S.P.E.A.R., a supernatural defense squad based in the city of Angbec. When the mayor’s son is kidnapped, Danika leads the investigation and forms a terse relationship with her only lead: a vampire named Rayne who may upend everything Danika thought she understood about the paranormal.
Looking for LGBTQIA+ mysteries that are lighter on the suspense? Try these “quozy” (queer cozy) mystery recommendations, including Malka Older’s Sherlock-inspired novella The Mimicking of Known Successes.