The 11 Best LGBTQ+ Romance Novels to Warm Your Heart
Book RaiderAs winter approaches and temperatures drop, there's nothing cozier than curling up with a novel that warms your heart - and maybe even provides a little steam. After all, who needs a fireplace when the story is hot enough to melt your socks off? If that strikes your fancy, I've got you covered with some of the best LGBTQ+ romance novels that showcase love in its myriad forms.
These reads promise to capture your heart and keep you turning pages long into the night. In the list below, love blossoms in the most unexpected places, between the most unexpected people. Because, isn't it lovely to discover that love, like a stubborn sunflower, can bloom anywhere, even in the corners where we least expect it? So, grab your favorite snuggie, a cup of hot chocolate (marshmallows mandatory) and dive headfirst into these enchanting LGBTQ+ love stories. They're not only breaking barriers but also proving that love really does win, every time.
Red, White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
Why Red, White & Royal Blue is on this list: This book packs a full punch of LGBTQ+ romance woven into a quite gripping story of political intrigue and personal growth.
Simple yet engrossing, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is proof that love knows no boundaries, not even those set by international politics. As the feisty first son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, falls head over heels for none other than his supposed nemesis, Prince Henry of Britain, you can't help but get carried away by their secret exchanges. As they grapple with their public personas and private desires, you'll see their love story evolve amidst some truly hilarious and heartwarming moments.
What readers like: Readers rave about the laugh-out-loud moments and the emotional rollercoaster that this book provides. They adore McQuiston's ability to subtly blend politics and humor with genuine feelings of affection. And of course, the unexpected romance between Alex and Henry leaves readers rooting for them until the last page. In short, if you love a good queer romance that tickles your funny bone, this one should definitely be on your reading list.
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Autoboyography
by Christina Lauren
Why Autoboyography is on this list: This beautiful tale is perfect for our list because it paints a heart-warming romance between two boys, exploring the themes of sexual identity, acceptance, and first love in the backdrop of a conservative society.
Set in the humble town of Provo, Utah, the book follows the story of Tanner, a bisexual teen who doesn't really have to come out until his family moves from liberal California to a community dominated by Mormons. The twist? He falls for Sebastian, a publishing prodigy, a good Mormon boy - and decidedly off-limits. As they secretly work together on a novel for their class, their connection deepens, leading to a romance that's both exhilarating and heart-wrenching.
What readers like: Readers find the narrative adorable, realistic, and moving. They have praised the book's in-depth exploration of religion's influence on LGBTQ+ youth and how it handles the complexities of different types of love. If you're in the mood for a gripping, feel-good novel that will reinspire your belief in love’s power to conquer all, Autoboyography is definitely your next read.
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The Kiss Quotient
by Helen Hoang
Why The Kiss Quotient is on this list: Helen Hoang has given an adorable romance with enough steam to roast your heart, The Kiss Quotient. This remarkable piece of LGBTQ+ romance will fill you with feelings of adoration and affection, leaving you warm and fuzzy.
Here's the scoop - the book features Stella, a brilliant math whiz with Asperger's who concocts a not-so-classic formula for love. She hires an escort, Michael, a Vietnamese-Swedish hunk, to teach her the art of relationships. The fun starts as numbers and equations turn into the language of hearts, giving you a melting rom-com experience.
What readers like: Readers are totally smitten with the roles reversed love story that's kinda cute and kinda hot. Plus, it's a major score that it features diverse characters with realness and depth, not to mention the fact that it normalizes and respects sex work. Stella's journey of self-discovery and acceptance is the heartwarming icing on this sweet-as-honey romance cake.
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I Wish You All the Best
by Mason Deaver
Why I Wish You All the Best is on this list: This enlightening book doesn’t just pay lip service to the idea of LGBTQ+ romance; it dives right into the thick of it, telling a tale of resilience, acceptance and most importantly, love.
The story revolves around Ben, a non-binary teen who gets kicked out by their parents when they come out. As Ben navigates their way through a new school under a cloud of anxiety, they find an unexpected ray of hope in Nathan, the charming student body president and his senior. As Nathan's kindness slowly makes its way into Ben's guarded heart, the readers get a taste of a warm and gentle LGBTQ+ love story that is as heartwarming as it is endearing.
What readers like: Readers have found the book to be a beacon of hope, representing diverse gender identities and tackling common issues the LGBTQ+ community faces. The raw and honest portrayal of Ben's journey, painted with love and hope by Mason Deaver, keeps readers on their toes. Above all, they love the beautiful romance that grows from a bond of friendship, slowly but surely creeping into their hearts.
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Act Your Age, Eve Brown
by Talia Hibbert
Why Act Your Age, Eve Brown is on this list: It's an enchanting tale from the LGBTQ+ community filled to the brim with warmth, romance and relatable character flaws. The relationship that unfolds between a chaotic, free-spirited woman and her straight-laced love interest has all the feels you're craving.
In 'Act Your Age, Eve Brown', Eve, an out-and-out hot mess, accidently crashes into Jacob - an uptight B&B owner's life, literally and figuratively. The result? Magic and chaos all rolled into one. Eve and Jacob are like two pieces of a puzzle who don't seem to fit at first, but before too long, the connection is undeniable. This is a love story that tackles actual life stuff, like coming to terms with who you are and letting love in, even when it's terrifying.
What readers like: Readers adore Hibbert's ability to create charming, multi-layered characters. They appreciate the honest representation of a whole spectrum of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Hibbert's sharp wit, interspersed with poignant moments, seriously touches your heart. Not to mention, the steamy love scenes which are like the cherry on top of this delightful sundae.
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The Henna Wars
by Adiba Jaigirdar
Why The Henna Wars is on this list: The Henna Wars is a delightful treasure in the LGBTQ+ romantic genre. It's a confident, vibrant, and heartfelt representation of queer love interweaved with real, complex issues such as cultural identity, religion and family dynamics.
The Henna Wars tells the story of Nishat, a Bangladeshi teen, who comes out to her parents only to be met with the old 'it's just a phase' response, and Flavia, a Brazilian transfer student. When a school competition prompts both girls to start their own henna businesses, things get spicy. It becomes less about who can create the best design and more about feelings that seem to grow with every encounter. Will their rivalry push them apart or bring them closer?
What readers like: Readers rave about the rich, colorful cultural representation, the intoxicating and palpable chemistry between Nishat and Flavia, and the relevant themes of identity, race, and sexuality. They fell for the inclusive and beautifully written storytelling that pulled at their heartstrings, without being cliché or over-the-top. Readers appreciate the authentic, flawed characters, the delicate handling of societal clash, and overall, the riveting, warm-hearted coming of age story.
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Loveless
by Alice Oseman
Why Loveless is on this list: Loveless revolves around the theme of questioning one’s sexuality, self-acceptance and friendship. This makes it a fitting choice for our list of heartwarming LGBTQ+ romances, despite it being an unconventional love story.
Georgia feels like she's always been a little bit in love with her best friends, which truly messes with her head when she gets to university. There, she meets a new group of friends, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and just might find out what it really means to be loveless. It's a funny, honest, and at times painfully relatable exploration of asexuality and the struggle to come to terms with being different.
What readers like: Readers love Loveless for its raw yet relatable characters and its fresh depiction of asexuality. They praise it for its honest portrayal of the confusion and anxiety around sexuality and the deep love and warmth in friendships. It’s also lauded for its witty humor and its universality in reaching out to not just the LGBTQ+ community, but to anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite fit in.
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They Both Die at the End
by Adam Silvera
Why They Both Die at the End is on this list: This book lands squarely in our list due to the heartfelt, queer-centric narrative. It's a deep echo of inevitable love that forges against the worst of odds. Plus, the LGBTQ+ representation is authentic and warm at heart.
In a world where everyone gets a call on the day they're going to die, the main characters, Mateo and Rufus, receive their dreaded calls on the same day. They meet through an app for people with their fate - 'End Day' friends. They start as strangers, but as the hours count down, they become so much more to each other. Things get pretty intense, in a good way, of course.
What readers like: Readers appreciate this book for its raw emotions, its take on destiny, and the honest portrayal of a romantic relationship between two young men. They often praise the nuances of grief, fear, acceptance, and love within the narrative. And no worries, despite the title, it's not all doom and gloom, there are moments of warmth, humor and twining connections that will have you utterly invested.
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Make Up Break Up
by Lily Menon
Why Make Up Break Up is on this list: With a fun mix of quirky humor, undeniable chemistry, and honest emotions, Make Up Break Up does a brilliant job delving into the meet-cute, break-up, and make-up cycle of a truly modern LGBTQ+ romance.
Meet the tech-savvy Annika and her equally geeky but oh-so-charming love interest, Hudson. After a steamy summer fling, they find themselves as rivals in the same co-working space. Unable to ignore their unresolved feelings, their professional competition soon blazes back into a passionate love story. This curiously captivating book is a sweet reminder that love does conquer all, even if it comes with a fair share of coding and app development.
What readers like: Readers often find themselves rooting for this techno-love duo, drawn deeply into the ups and downs of their love story. The quirky humor and whip-smart dialogues keep them entertained, while the tender moments tug at their heartstrings. It's a fun, light-hearted read that also beautifully explores the complexities of modern love.
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Captive Prince
by C.S. Pacat
Why Captive Prince is on this list: This LGBTQ+ romance novel effortlessly melds fantasy and romance, taking the readers on an emotional roller coaster ride woven through a world full of power play and politics. It sets ablaze the spark of acceptance and love in hearts warming them to their core.
Captive Prince is a tantalizing tale of a prince who is sold as a slave to his enemy kingdom's prince. While Prince Laurent seems cold and manipulative, the captive Prince Damen finds an unexpected ally in him. They fall into a delicate dance of trust and love, which carries risks in their cut-throat political world.
What readers like: Readers rave about the beautifully complex characters and their development throughout the story. Pacat’s subtle and nuanced portrayal of the slowly blossoming romance amidst an intricate political scenery has readers glued to the pages. Also, the representation and positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ love in a fantasy setting has garnered much appreciation.
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Here's the Thing
by Emily O’Beirne
Why Here's the Thing is on this list: A coming out story set in the heart of New York City, Here's the Thing is the sort of LGBTQ+ romance novel that will make you wear a constant, goofy grin, while warming your heart, as find yourself in the thick of a beautiful intersection of friendship, identity, and love.
Our protagonist, sixteen-year-old Zel gets transplanted from her familiar Australian life to a bustling, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming NYC, thanks to her mother's new job. As she steps into a new world, she's also stepping into her own identity, slowly and beautifully discovering that she's drawn to girls. Let's just say, the 'Big Apple' bite she takes, brings about change that's more than geographical.
What readers like: Readers have loved the realness of Zel's journey, the sparks of first love, and the delicate exploration of emotions. The poignant depiction of an LGBTQ+ teenager's life, and a refreshing narrative threaded with humor, have made this book resonate with many. Plus, who doesn't enjoy an Aussie trying to navigate the labyrinth that is New York City?
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