16 Books with Bisexual, Pansexual, and Asexual Representation!
Books to remind you that you are queer enough.
By: Leah Thakur
One of my greatest sources of joy in life is being in community with queer folks. To be seen, known and loved for such an important part of my identity is all a younger version of me could have ever hoped for.
A pit grows in my stomach every time I have to come out, however, because of the erasure that often accompanies those of us who, for many reasons, don’t present as “queer enough.” While there is privilege, particularly with safety, that comes from this erasure, there is also the emotional turmoil that stems from it. As a pansexual woman married to a straight cis man, I experience this erasure myself, sometimes self-imposed (understanding sexuality is a journey!), sometimes from straight folks, and sometimes from the community itself, especially in online spaces.
This Pride, I want to combat this erasure by celebrating everyone whose identity is sometimes thrown to the wayside. It doesn’t matter where you fall under the Bi umbrella or on the Ace Spectrum or whatever queer identity that you choose; you, your identities, and your lived experiences are valid, and you my friend, are queer enough!
Your TBR:
As a queer romance reader, it only makes sense that I often seek out representation in the love stories I consume. While not exhaustive by any means, I’d like to share 16 recommendations for romance books that feature and celebrate bi, pan, and acespec identities!
Delilah Green Doesn't Care, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail, and Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake
All of Ashley Herring Blake’s books hold a special place in my heart, and feature lesbian and bisexual couples, but I’d like to spotlight Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail. Astrid’s got her life together, or so it seems. But when she ends up on a home renovation show for the historic inn in town, her world is turned upside down when she meets Jordan, and our little late bloomer ends up on a journey to discover her bisexuality.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Dani Brown, a Black, bisexual, feminist academic does not want to date anymore, so she asks the universe for the perfect friends with benefits situation. What the universe sends her instead is Zaf, a Pakistani, Muslim, ex-rugby player who she has to fake date to help his non-profit get publicity. As these two begin to rely on each other to navigate life and work through their mental health journeys, feelings get muddled the longer they “pretend” to date.
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
Maggie is a late 48-year-old divorcee, video game enthusiast. In one of her online games she meets Aiden, a 50-year-old who hasn’t had a relationship since he and his ex-fiancé ended things. After some miscommunication, the two meet in person and are shocked by each other, in the best way possible. Maggie falls quickly for Aiden, but it takes him a little longer to realize his feelings for Maggie and that perhaps his timeline makes sense as he discovers he’s biromantic and demisexual.
Heartwaves, Love and Other Disasters, and How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly
All of Anita’s books are deliciously queer, but I specifically want to highlight these titles by them. In Heartwaves, both Mae and Dell are queer and non-binary, though Dell’s gender journey is just beginning. In Love and Other Disasters, London is non-binary and pansexual and Dahlia identifies as queer. In How You Get the Girl, we get to experience Julie’s beautiful journey as she discovers that she lands someone on the ace spectrum.
Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez
Angela Gutierrez is 27-years-old and has never been kissed. She decides to come out as an asexual lesbian on Tiktok and host a scavenger hunt to help find someone to be her first kiss. Things don’t go to planned, however, as Krystal, the bisexual bartender she’s had a crush on for years decides to help her with the scavenger hunt and ends up being so much more to Angela.
From the Start by Katie Duggan
What happens when you end up crashing the birthday party of your childhood bully and find out he’s incredible at sex? Well you get Nic and Josh! Nic, bisexual and recently diagnosed with autism, is trying to figure out how to enjoy sex with her sensory. So she asks Josh, proudly fat and queer, to give her sex lessons, but their relationship quickly develops past lessons into more.
Truly, Madly, Deeply and The Fianceé Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
Alexandria’s books are all brilliantly bisexual, but I want to spotlight these two Bi4Bi romances. In Truly, Madly, Deeply, Truly, a romance author, and Colin, a divorce lawyer, go head to head on a podcast and their feelings about love and marriage. And in the Fianceé Farce, Tansy, a bookstore owner, ends up fake engaged to Gemma, a book cover model, to get Tansy’s family off her back and so Gemma can gain her inheritance and take over Van Dalen Publishing.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
Two bisexual exes end up on the same food and wine tour across Europe, the same tour they were supposed to go on together before they broke up. The epitome of maturity, Theo and Kitt make a bet to see who can hook up with most people on the trip. Bet be damned, the bisexual yearning is far too strong for them to handle and their journey back to each other will surely leave you in tears.
Almost Love by Anna P
Clementine, proudly pansexual, has rightfully earned her grumpy status from her horrible history with unrequited crushes, but is crushing life now as a successful bakery owner. Oakley, proudly bisexual and in recovery, was looking to settle down in a new small town, but his life halted the second he saw Clementine. Over the course of the story, these two navigate their issues and experiences with sex and mental health as they learn to love, and be loved.
The Oath by TM Richardson
This rec is for my Why Choose folks! Before Tatum’s husband passed away, he asked his three best friends to make an oath to take care of her in any way she may need. To no one’s surprise, they were all thrilled to agree. So Tatum begins a relationship with her husband’s three best friends, and their growing also love helps Deacon and Miles, both bisexual, reconnect and learn to love each other again.
Just For the Cameras by Viano Oniomoh
Kian and Jordanne, both bisexual sex workers, are in a loving relationship and work together. But what should they do when given the opportunity to work with their biromantic, demisexual roommate Luka?
Let’s Get Readin’
I hope somewhere on this list you find something that makes you feel seen and celebrated!