gay romance books for young adults

Beyond "Simon": Discovering Captivating Gay YA Romance Novels

So, you've devoured "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda," maybe cried a little (or a lot) during "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," and perhaps even gotten swept away by the magical world of "Carry On." Now what? The world of gay YA romance is vast and bursting with incredible stories just waiting to be discovered. Ready to embark on a new reading adventure?

Dive into Diverse Stories: More Than Just Coming-of-Age

Let's be honest, while coming-out stories are important, they aren't the only stories that deserve to be told. Today's gay YA lit offers a kaleidoscope of genres and experiences. We're talking:

Must-Read Gay YA Books You Won't Want to Put Down

Here's a curated list of some fantastic titles that go beyond the well-known classics. Get ready to add these to your TBR pile!

Murder of Crows by K. Ancrum

Tig, while searching for her friend Oly, gets entangled with the Murder of Crows, an armchair detective group obsessed with a missing body. When their search becomes dangerous, Tig must solve the mystery before becoming the next victim. A thrilling blend of mystery and friendship.

Eighty Days to Elsewhere by David Valdes

Luis Gonzales travels back in time to 1980s where he meets closeted teen Chaz Wilson. Determined to give Chaz a better experience than he had, Luis strives to create a more accepting environment, facing the homophobia of the era and his estranged father. Can Luis fix the past while finding his way back to his own time?

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

When the royal family is murdered, Felix is thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspect. Teaming up with Joy, they must uncover the real killer and save the galaxy. A thrilling adventure where love blossoms amidst danger and intrigue.

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

A Sleeping Beauty meets Indiana Jones tale. Fi and Shane, best friends, embark on a journey to break a prince's curse, encountering a captivating witch along the way. A blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance.

She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

Sam promises to help Christian win over Ros Shew. However, Sam finds herself falling for Ros, leading to a complicated and heartfelt exploration of love and friendship. A story about unexpected connections and navigating feelings.

Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei

Mickey James III is determined to maintain his top hockey spot in college. But he faces competition from his talented and attractive teammate, Jaysen. A story of ambition, rivalry, and unexpected romance.

Fire Becomes Her by Rosiee Thor

In a Jazz Age-inspired setting, Ingrid, a demiromantic bi character, navigates social circles by dating a wealthy heir and spying on his father's opposition. As she delves deeper, Ingrid discovers the cracks in the elite facade, forcing her to choose her true desires.

At the End of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp

In a juvenile detention facility during a deadly plague, Emerson, Grace, and Logan must navigate survival and justice. Emerson, estranged from their family after coming out as nonbinary, and Grace, an aroace girl, will do anything for justice and those she cares about. Together, they must make difficult choices to survive in the face of terror.

Where to Find Your Next Favorite Read

Supporting queer authors and diverse stories is crucial! Here are a few places to check out:

The Future is Queer (and Full of Great Books!)

The world of gay YA romance is evolving, offering more diverse characters, stories, and perspectives than ever before. So, grab a book, settle in, and prepare to be transported. What are some of your favorite LGBTQ+ YA books? Share them in the comments below!