I have been collecting queer indie books for a bit now, and then I found a spectacular queer indies 2025 release list that filled this post out beautifully.
Any of these you’re excited for, or have loved?
Indies in my Pocket
An Outstretched Hand
Presenting An Outstretched Hand: A Tarot Spread of Queer Stories, from the Right Here Write Queer podcast! My story is inspired by the tarot card Temperance, and you may have seen excerpts of it here and there.
Tune into the podcast to learn more about each story, our first anthology episode is about The Star!
Blurb:
A hand reaching to you from the shadows. Six cards over-turned. Six enchanting queer tales inspired by the magic of tarot.
The Star by Tess Carletta
A lighthouse keeper who influences the fate of her people by wrangling misbehaving stars back into place must remedy her own constellation.
The Hierophant by Carolina Cruz
A knight who was disabled in battle gives up on asking the gods for healing and turns to something dark in the woods for help instead.
Strength by Luna Daye
A warrior is sent to investigate the rumors of a raided village and is forced to face the trauma of his past, and has to battle more than his grief after a terrifying discovery.
The Chariot by R.K. Ashwick
Two witches vie desperately for a goddess’s blessing- but the fortune they seek might be right in front of them.
Temperance by Noah Hawthorne
A grieving mercenary searches for the tallest mountain to throw himself from, but a mystery and curious folk keep him grounded for a little while longer.
The Devil by Sebastian Nothwell
A repressed Victorian finds fleeting release in a fae courtesan’s arms until iron chains threaten their growing bond.
Explore the forest, meet the fae, pray to the gods, shepherd stars, or fight creatures of myth. An offering for you, if you accept the Outstretched Hand.
Pre-orders are open here, release date is November 11th, 2025.
Indigenous People’s day
Yesterday was Indigenous People’s Day, but Indigiqueer reads can be enjoyed all year long.
I have recommended quite a few queer books by Indigenous authors in the past, but this week’s recs are fresh and full of good stories.
September Reads
I’ll be honest, September was low key for me ! There are two I really enjoyed, while the rest read like the same book but different fonts. They weren’t bad, but not my favorites either.
October, however, is shaping up to be full of bangers.
Testing a Hypothesis
Cornelius gazed up at Watt, their chests inches apart. His steely eyes seemed to glitter in the dark, like Lake Michigan under full moonlight. “I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.”
“Aventurier,” Watt whispered, overcome with an intense desire to bend down, and kiss Cornelius.
He—he wanted to kiss Cornelius.
He wanted Cornelius.
🧭🏳️⚧️🌈✨️
One of the goals we hit on the Kickstarter was a hardback, and Crossroad Art has been working on the cover. These fellas are not the main focus on the new cover, but boy are they handsome.
Only 26 days until The Voice of Wild Places releases !
First, Dragons
I am in my Temeraire era and *loving* it, but I can’t help but internally scream ‘make it queer!’
Although the platonic bond between the seasoned captain and his dragon with delicate sensibilities hits me right in the gut, so there’s that.
New Arrivals
Prints, packaging, and the final copy of the book have arrived!
Bookmarks and stickers are on the way, as are cartons upon cartons of books. That pesky spine and I fought hard, but it’s certainly behaving now.
Only 35 more days until release !
Suicide Awareness Month
“I just didn’t know how to live. I still don’t, but I’m getting better. I’ve asked for help and everything. Where I was going with this, is that I know when it feels like the end. But I can promise you, there’s always another road. Don’t give up yet.”
-phantom and rook
🌈✨️📖
September is Suicide Awareness Month. This is an issue that is dear to me, in case that wasn’t evident by the struggles I put my characters through, Arlo Rook especially.
Some of my favorite books that deal with this are A Strange and Stubborn Endurance, Lore and Lust, Summer Sons, An Unnatural Vice, and Jack of Thorns.
In some of these stories there are on page attempts, while others have active or passive ideation, or there was an attempt in the past. Please check TW as a good few of these are dark and full of angst.
Hispanic Heritage Month
It is Hispanic Heritage Month, time for some queer reads to celebrate!
Sapphic September
It’s Sapphic September, and I’ve rejuvenated the book rec stash with fresh titles! I have to say, I think my favorite types of sapphic stories are the ‘she’s a little bit fucked up and a lot bit haunted’ and the good ol’ ‘I shall protect you with my life, my lady.’
What about you?
Neshama Publishing 