As Bi Visibility Day approaches, I’m thrilled to share a diverse selection of unabashedly bi books with you. While we may often be overlooked throughout the year, this special day shines a spotlight on our community, and I couldn’t be more excited! When it comes to bi+ representation in literature, I firmly believe that there can never be too many great examples. To make it easier for readers like myself to find these hidden gems, I’ve curated a list of 20 certified bi+ books.
These stories feature protagonists or main characters who identify as bisexual, and they’re perfect for celebrating Bi Visibility Day or simply discovering new favorite reads.
The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
Imagine being in the midst of a high-stakes heist, working together with your girlfriend and best friend/ex-boyfriend to stop a bank robbery. It’s a scenario that Nora O’Malley finds herself in, but what her girlfriend doesn’t know – and what her ex is still grappling with – is that Nora isn’t her real name. Not even remotely.
Unbeknownst to those around her, Nora has been living a double life, one that was instilled in her by her con woman mother, who taught her the skills and faced her down the horrors that will now come in handy as she works to save herself and her friends from becoming mere collateral damage.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
I’m thrilled to see increased bi representation in M/F romance, as all forms of bisexuality deserve equal validity. Take a Hint, Dani Brown is an excellent example of this, showcasing a strong and independent bisexual woman who knows what she wants and learns that embracing love along the way takes courage – but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The novel’s portrayal of her love interest, Zaf, as a charming ex-rugby player only adds to the story’s charm.
How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole’s impressive bibliography has earned my enthusiastic endorsement, with no end in sight. Her novel How To Find a Princess is a standout romance within her Runaway Royals series, which loosely connects to the remarkable Reluctant Royals series. Moreover, it marks her first full-length work featuring a women-loving-women (WLW) relationship, and I’m thrilled to report that it’s an absolute triumph.
The story follows a woman desperately trying to escape her family’s legacy and royal heritage, only to find herself falling for a strong, independent bi woman determined to restore the monarchy of her island home. As expected from Cole, the narrative is filled with fake marriage and sea-faring adventures.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
This captivating tome, inspired by Persian myths and fairy tales, weaves a narrative around a bewitched princess, a menacing soldier, and an enigmatic supernatural being who holds the key to lifting Soraya’s curse. The rich storytelling is elevated by the fact that Soraya has the opportunity to develop romantic connections with both male and female characters without feeling contrived or hurried. This enchanting tale will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
Ava’s life seems flawless on the surface, thanks to her wealthy banker beau who showers her with gifts. However, despite his affectionate nature, he can’t bring himself to express deeper emotions towards her. It is here that Edith, a charming Hong Kong-born lawyer, enters the scene, showering Ava with thoughtful gestures and romantic dates.
As Ava grapples with her feelings for both women, she is faced with a crucial decision: stick with the comfort of what she thought she wanted or take a chance on something entirely new when her boyfriend reveals plans to visit Hong Kong, forcing her to reevaluate her priorities.
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert
Cherry and Rueben’s initial connection is undeniable. However, Rueben fails to disclose a crucial aspect: he’s the prince of Helgmøre. When paparazzi discover this, they concoct a fake relationship – their chemistry is undeniable, making it believable – to safeguard his reputation. This royal romance’s unique blend of fake dating and a bisexual prince makes it particularly compelling.
It’s refreshing to see more representation of bi men in fiction, as authors like Talia Hibbert and Alyssa Cole have already showcased (Cole’s ‘A Prince on Paper’ is an excellent example).
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
For many bi+ individuals, the premise of Rioter Adiba Jaigirdar’s sophomore novel will strike a familiar chord. Hani finds herself in a predicament when her friends doubt her sexuality due to her lack of dating experience. In an attempt to assert her heterosexuality, she fabricates a relationship with Ishi, only to discover that the latter has ulterior motives. Ishi is desperate to enhance her social status and secure a spot at her dream university by becoming Head Girl.
She proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: in exchange for Hani’s help, Ishi will pretend to be her girlfriend. As they navigate this charade, it’s only natural that their ruse might backfire – after all, emotions can’t always be contained.
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
As tensions ran high at a recent royal wedding, two unlikely individuals – First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry of Wales – found themselves in an awkward predicament. Forced to put on a united front for the cameras, they navigated a delicate balancing act between maintaining their dignified personas and hiding their growing disdain for each other.
The Prince’s charming demeanor only served to further frustrate Alex, who struggled to reconcile his annoyance with the possibility that his bisexuality was finally being awakened. As the situation unfolded, this unlikely duo found themselves entangled in a hilarious and heartwarming royal rom-com, complete with all the hallmarks of a classic love story.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
In a twist of fate, Addie LaRue, a woman cursed with immortality and forgottenness, finds an unlikely ally in Henry. The devil’s deal that granted her eternal life also condemned her to solitude, but she had grown accustomed to leaving her mark on the world in small ways. That was until Henry came along, breaking the curse of being forgotten. As their love blossomed, questions arose about Henry’s ability to recall Addie despite her immortality.
Was he immune to her curse, or was this merely a cruel twist of fate? I’m thrilled to report that this beautifully crafted fantasy novel features two bi+ main characters who fall deeply in love, leaving me beaming with delight.
I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
I must confess that my heart skips a beat at the thought of a romantic story featuring multiple bi+ characters. It’s a tale that warms me to the core. And in Lyla Lee’s inspiring contemporary romance novel, aspiring dancer Skye Shin takes a bold step by entering a K-Pop talent competition, capturing not only the attention of the crowd but also that of Henry Cho, a renowned model and fellow competitor.
The narrative masterfully weaves together themes of self-acceptance and chasing one’s dreams, leaving readers with a sense of hope and upliftment.
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
Leah on the Offbeat, the latest YA novel by Becky Albertalli, is a heartwarming addition to the growing list of body positive bi heroines in literature. The author’s reputation for crafting authentic coming-of-age stories (Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda being a prime example) is well-deserved, and Leah on the Offbeat follows suit.
The story centers around a young drummer struggling to navigate her senior year, reeling from a crush on her best friend Simon who had recently come out as gay – and who just so happens to be unaware of her own bisexuality. This complex, imperfect journey is a testament to the messy nature of real life, where identities aren’t always neatly defined and relationships are often fraught with tension.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo’s life was a tapestry woven from the threads of multiple marriages, with seven husbands bearing testament to her enduring allure. As she reflects on her storied past, the curtain finally lifts on the true nature of her relationships, shattering expectations and leaving even her chosen biographer, Monique, stunned by the revelation. The truth, it seems, is far more complex than anyone could have predicted.
Running With Lions by Julian Winters
Sebastian’s senior year is shaping up to be an incredible one for his high school soccer team, the Lions. As captain and star goalie, he’s leading the charge alongside a talented group of teammates and a coach who embodies acceptance and inclusivity. However, when his former best friend Emir shows up for summer training camp, Sebastian’s carefully constructed world is turned on its head.
The Lions’ success hinges on Sebastian repairing his relationship with Emir and coaxing him to rejoin the team, but it’s not going to be easy. Seeing Emir again has awakened a mix of emotions within Sebastian, making it difficult to separate their past from their present – or focus on the game at hand.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz Lighty’s skepticism about winning prom queen stems from her self-perceived limitations: being too Black, poor, awkward, and bi. However, when financial aid for her dream college falls through, she realizes the scholarship tied to the crown is her sole means of achieving everything she’s ever wanted. Despite her reluctance to participate in a ‘ridiculous popularity contest,’ Liz finds solace in Mack, the new girl who’s also vying for the title against her.
As feelings start to cloud her judgment, how can she possibly keep her focus on winning? The outcome will either be the best or worst thing that’s ever happened to her.
When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi
As Tara agreed to assist Farah in gaining entry into the Bollywood Drama & Dance Society in exchange for math tutoring to boost her flagging grade, she didn’t anticipate anything more than a mutually beneficial arrangement. Similarly, Farah, already juggling the aftermath of breaking up with her biphobic ex-boyfriend and relocating to the U. S. to be closer to her father, didn’t envision any romantic entanglements.
Yet, over late-night feasts of biryani and impromptu dance sessions to Bollywood’s iconic hits, a serendipitous connection began to form between them. It was as if they had been missing a crucial component all along, one that would ultimately reveal the secret equation for their happiness.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callendar
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
Darcy Phillips, a relationship coach willing to offer advice for a fee, finds herself in an unexpected predicament when her secret services are exposed. As she’s forced to help the most popular guy in school – whose girlfriend is on the verge of breaking up with him – she must navigate a delicate situation. The catch? Her best friend, Brooke, whom Darcy has been secretly pining for, would likely never speak to her again if she discovered the truth.
With good reason to keep her secret safe, Darcy reluctantly agrees to help the infuriatingly handsome guy win back his girlfriend – despite already being fallen in love with him once.
Xeni: A Marriage of Inconvenience by Rebekah Weatherspoon
In this captivating romance, two bi characters find themselves entwined in a complex web of love and family obligations. Xeni’s life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits her late aunt’s sprawling colonial estate in Upstate New York. However, the will comes with a surprising condition: she must marry before claiming the property. And to make matters more complicated, her aunt had already chosen a specific partner – a rugged Scotsman named Mason.
But what initially seems like an unwelcome burden takes on a new light when Xeni learns that her aunt was secretly working behind the scenes to bring them together. As they navigate this unexpected twist, they must confront their own feelings and the secrets of the past. The prospect of marrying Sable Everly’s beautiful niece, Zheni, becomes a tantalizing possibility, one that could lead to a love that transcends all expectations.
When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey
Alexis didn’t intentionally take a man’s life during their intimate encounter. However, her magic spiralled out of control, leaving her with an unexpected outcome – a naked, lifeless body in the bedroom. In this crisis situation, Alexis reaches out to her closest confidantes, who just happen to be fellow witches.
As they work together to conceal the evidence and mitigate the consequences of their collective powers, Alexis and her friends must band together to overcome the unforeseen aftermath of their actions before things escalate further.
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
As Lara navigates her high school years, one name has always held a special place in her heart – Chase Harding. And to her surprise, he’s finally giving her the attention she craves. The sparks flying between them are undeniable, but Lara can’t help but be haunted by memories of her whirlwind summer romance with Jasmine. Just as things start to heat up between Lara and Chase, Jasmine walks into school, catching them in a flirtatious moment.
The sudden complications leave Lara torn between the guy she’s always wanted and the girl she never expected to fall for.