A few years ago, “Call Me By Your Name” was the gay romance we couldn’t get enough of. (Tbt to Baby Chalamet!) Then, “Heartstopper” and “Red, White & Royal Blue” came on the scene and we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. Well, what if I told you that these three all had one thing in common: They’re based on romance novels! And instead of waiting for the next MM romance to hit your screen, you can line your shelves with the finest gay romance books that are tearing up TikTok.
1. “Something Fabulous” by Alexis Hall
From the author of “Boyfriend Material” comes a historical romance novel that will make you laugh and swoon.
Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, was always supposed to marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. The only problem is Valentine isn’t interested. Still, he proposes—a marriage of convenience, that is. Being the romantic that she is, Arabella won’t have anything but a love marriage and runs away in dramatic fashion.
When Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, insists that Valentine chase after her, the two British men find themselves on an adventure to the English seaside of Dover. As they get cozy in the carriage, Valentine begins to wonder if he’s pursuing the wrong Tarleton twin.
Fans of KJ Charles and Rainbow Rowell won’t want to miss this one!
2. “Gods and Men” by Dipsea
If you loved “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller and need something to fill the void, this original gay romance audiobook is just the thing.
Being a god, Apollo rarely interacts with mere humans. But when he meets Spartan prince Hyacinthus on the battlefield, he realizes that he’s anything but ordinary. The two strike up a friendship, going on adventures and exploring together. Yet, as time goes on, Apollo becomes interested in exploring his growing romantic feelings.
When an archery training session becomes steamy, Apollo grows protective and wants to keep Hyacinthus away from the other gods. After all, they’re known to be hotheads. He tries to keep their relationship purely platonic, but—from a respite at a secluded island to a healing bath—their interactions continue to heat up.
Find out if a god and mortal can get a happy ending in this original MM Romance audiobook.
3. “Him” by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen
Hockey romance, anyone? BookTok-beloved author Elle Kennedy joins USA Today Bestselling author Sarina Bowen for a spicy gay romance book. This MM romance follows former high school best friends Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley. After a bet gone too far during hockey camp pushes the boundaries of their relationship, the two carry on their separate ways until reuniting years later as their respective college’s hockey teams face off against each other. With one look, old feelings come rushing back.
When the two return to camp—this time as coaches—their chemistry is hot enough to melt the ice. One hot summer might be all they need to clear the air, restore their friendship, and maybe even give love a shot.
Fans of Eden Finley’s romance novels will love this Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Best Romance!
4. “The Charm Offensive” by Alison Cochrun
Dev Deshpande is a reality dating show producer and hopeless romantic—despite his own love life being in shambles. Charlie Winshaw is a pessimistic and awkward tech genius who signs up for “Ever After” in an attempt to repair his image. As the show whisks them away on a worldwide tour, Dev tries to get Charlie to open up to the 20 female contestants. Instead, Charlie and Dev wind up having a connection of their own. What happens if they go off-script and write their own happy ending?
An Amazon Editor Pick for Best Romance, this MM romance bestseller is full of heart.
5. “The Pairing” by Casey McQuiston
From the author of the bestselling gay romance book, “Red, White & Royal Blue,” comes a new LGBTQ love story that fans of Becky Albertalli and André Aciman will love.
“The Pairing” follows Theo and Kit, best friends turned lovers who—after breaking up on their flight to the European vacation of their dreams—become exes. Four years after going their separate ways, Theo is a budding sommelier, while Kit is the pastry chef at one of the fanciest restaurants in Paris.
When the voucher for their European food and wine tour that never was is close to expiring, they separately decide to take the trip alone—not knowing the other had the same idea. Now, Theo and Kit find themselves trapped together for the next three weeks as they experience the most delicious foods and breathtaking views that Europe has to offer. Instead of being swayed by the romance of it all, they decide to make a bet instead: the person who can hook up with the most people on their tour wins. But if they succeed, will they lose out on their second chance?
6. “You Should Be So Lucky” by Cat Sebastian
Set in 1960s New York, this new gay romance book centers around Eddie O’Leary, a professional baseball player who struggles to fit in with his new team. Not only is he playing poorly, but he’s living out of a suitcase and has a serious case of homesickness. He thinks things can’t get much worse—until the team’s owner orders him to do an interview with a snobby reporter.
Mark Bailey is a reporter who has absolutely no interest in sports. Frankly, since his breakup, he doesn’t have much interest in writing at all. But with the paper he works for struggling, he has no choice but to follow around the city’s new shortstop. The two are poised to hate each other, but their chemistry knocks it out of the park. Eddie isn’t ready to risk his career by coming out, and Mark refuses to hide who he really is. Will they strike out on new love, or will it be a home run to happily ever after?
“You Should Be So Lucky” is the second book in the MM romance series, Midcentury NYC.
7. “Wolfsong” by TJ Klune
When Ox was 16, he met the boisterous Bennett family, who just so happen to be werewolves. Ox hits it off with the youngest of the pack, Joe, the two becoming fast friends. Years later, a murder in their small town tears the pack apart by tragedy, and Joe leaves to start fresh elsewhere. When he returns three years later, Ox finds that Joe is now a man—and a handsome one at that.
Now reunited, their relationship begins to shift. But romantic nights under the moon aren’t enough to erase the grief, betrayal, and secrets from the past. Is Joe Ox’s fated mate, or is he destined to be a lone wolf?
C.S. Pacat and Adam Silvera fans will love this paranormal gay romance book from a New York Times bestselling author!
Grab a gay romance
Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or a little bit of both, gay romances have exactly what you’re looking for. For even more MM romance, sign up for a 30-day free trial of Dipsea. Enjoy the best romantic fiction brought to life, with steamy storylines that let you experience your favorite tropes and pairings in whole new ways.
Or download the Dipsea app for the best listening experience.
