Picture a New York storyteller who weaves tales of love, identity, and self-discovery with a queer lens—meet Dahlia Adler! This acclaimed author of young adult and new adult fiction has captured hearts with her authentic characters and vibrant narratives, earning her a devoted readership. From her Radleigh University series to her Daylight Falls duology, Adler’s stories resonate with readers craving diverse, heartfelt representation.
Beyond her novels, Adler’s a champion for inclusivity, running the popular blog LGBTQReads and editing anthologies that amplify marginalized voices. With a knack for balancing wit, romance, and real-world issues, she’s become a standout voice in contemporary literature. Let’s dive into her journey and why her work sparkles!
The Making of Dahlia Adler
Born and raised in New York City, Dahlia Adler grew up in the suburbs before earning a journalism degree from New York University. Her love for storytelling bloomed early, but her career took a multifaceted path. By day, she’s an Associate Editor in mathematics, crunching numbers with precision. By night, she’s a prolific writer and blogger, pouring her passion into fiction and advocacy for queer representation. Her blog, LGBTQReads, launched to spotlight queer literature, quickly becoming a go-to resource for readers and writers alike.
Adler’s writing career kicked off with a splash in 2014 when her debut novel, Behind the Scenes, hit shelves. Inspired by her love for complex characters and diverse narratives, she carved a niche in young adult and new adult fiction, blending romance with themes of identity and growth. Her journalism background sharpened her ability to craft relatable, dialogue-driven stories that feel like a chat with a best friend.
Dahlia Adler’s Unforgettable Stories
Adler’s bibliography is a treasure trove of queer-inclusive tales. Her Daylight Falls duology—Behind the Scenes (2014) and Under the Lights (2015)—follows teens navigating Hollywood’s glitz and grit. Behind the Scenes centers on high schooler Ally, whose best friend’s fame pulls her into a whirlwind romance, while Under the Lights explores Vanessa’s unexpected love story with a girl, earning a spot on ALA’s Rainbow Book List in 2016. Both books shine with Adler’s signature blend of humor, heart, and authentic queer representation.
The Radleigh University trilogy (2014–2016) dives into new adult romance, tackling college life with depth. Last Will and Testament follows Lizzie Brandt, a party girl turned guardian to her brothers, finding love with her TA, Connor. The series’ third book, Out on Good Behavior, was a finalist for the 2016 Bisexual Book Awards, praised for its nuanced portrayal of bisexual and lesbian relationships. Adler’s 2021 novel, Cool for the Summer, a Kids’ Indie Next pick, explores bisexual confusion through Lara’s steamy summer fling, cementing her knack for capturing messy, relatable journeys.
Adler’s style is conversational yet poignant, weaving themes of self-discovery, intersectionality, and romance. Her characters—often queer, POC, or both—face real-world challenges like parental expectations and career fears, making her stories universally relatable. She also edits anthologies like His Hideous Heart and That Way Madness Lies, reimagining classics with diverse spins, showcasing her versatility.
Why Dahlia Adler Matters
Dahlia Adler’s impact extends beyond her pages. Through LGBTQReads, she’s built a platform that uplifts queer authors and stories, fostering a more inclusive literary world. Her novels offer representation that resonates with readers who rarely see themselves in fiction, particularly queer teens and young adults. Books like Going Bicoastal, a 2023 Sydney Taylor Honor book, explore dual timelines and identities, inspiring readers to embrace their own complexities.
Adler’s work has earned critical acclaim, from award nominations to glowing reviews praising her addictive dialogue and flawed, lovable characters. Her ability to balance lighthearted romance with weighty themes has made her a beloved figure in YA and NA circles, proving that diverse stories can be both fun and profound.
- Birthplace: New York City
- Key Works: Behind the Scenes, Under the Lights, Last Will and Testament, Cool for the Summer, Going Bicoastal
- Awards: 2016 Bisexual Book Awards finalist, 2023 Sydney Taylor Honor
- Fun Fact: Adler’s a self-proclaimed book hoarder with overflowing shelves!
Ready to fall in love with Dahlia Adler’s world? Grab Cool for the Summer or Behind the Scenes and dive into her witty, queer-inclusive stories today!