11 Must-Read Gay Romance Novels

11 Must-Read Gay Romance Novels

Non-Profits That Support the LGBTQIA+ Community

Despite the progress made in recent years, many LGBT+ people still face discrimination, rejection, and even violence. If you want to help combat these issues, consider supporting nonprofit organizations like these:

• PFLAG
• The Trevor Project
• GLAD
• Pride At Work
• Family Equality Council
• GLSEN
• Human Rights Campaign
• Transgender Law Center
• GLMA

8 Great Movies Featuring Gay Characters

1. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
2. Carol (2015)
3. Love, Simon (2018)
4. Pride (2014)
5. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
6. Rent (2005)
7. God's Own Country (2017)
8. Milk (2008)

Ideas For Your Real Life Romance

Whether you're gay, straight, bi, or beyond, there are plenty of ways that you can bring a little extra romance into your life.

• Have a candlelit dinner
• Send a spontaneous floral arrangement
• Get a cute gift
• Join a book club together
• Cook a cozy meal for two
• Remember to say "I love you"

Why Representation in Media Matters

In Depth

LGBT literature has been rising in popularity over the years as society learns to stop treating it like a taboo subject. There are a lot of books on the market that revolve around gay relationships, and they typically branch out into all sorts of other genres, such as science fiction and mystery. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of eleven must-read gay romance novels. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "Plummet to Soar" by Z.A. Maxfield. Mackenzie Detweiller is the author of a critically panned self-help book, which has gotten others hurt to the point where people are suing him over it. His editor, JD Chambers, is sent to tell him that his publisher is dropping his book. The two of them have been in an online relationship for some time now, and things get complicated when they get stuck in a hotel, where someone is trying to kill Mackenzie.

Next, at #2, is "Dead in the Garden." Written by Dahlia Donovan, it's the first entry of her "Grasmere Cottage Mystery" series. Biscuit shop owner Valor and his boyfriend, a musician named Bishan, have been living a happy life together for years now. When the body of a former schoolmate is found in their garden, Bishan is named the prime suspect. Now, Valor has to prove his boyfriend's innocence and figure out who the killer is before more innocent people die.

Now, Valor has to prove his boyfriend's innocence and figure out who the killer is before more innocent people die.

At #3 is "Contraband Hearts" by Alex Beecroft. Set during the 18th century, it focuses on a customs officer named Peregrine Dean. He's sent to the town of Porthkennack to bring down the elusive Tomas Quick, a notorious smuggler who's highly regarded by the locals. Over time, they start falling for each other, and when a group of slavers starts kidnapping shipwrecked sailors, the two men have to set their differences aside in order to rescue them.

Next up, at #4, we have "Love and Other Curses" by Michael Thomas Ford. Sam is a member of the cursed Weyward family. Whenever any member of their family under the age of seventeen falls for anyone, the person they're in love with dies. Sam's seventeenth birthday is only a few weeks away, but when he befriends the new guy in town, he struggles to keep his feelings in check.

Next, at #5, is "Sin and Tonic." Written by Rhys Ford, it's the thrilling finale of her "Sinners" series, which mainly revolves around a man named Miki St. John. As Miki learns more about his biological family, he finally realizes why some people want him dead. With the help of his lover, Kane, they both have to keep each other safe and face Miki's mysterious and dangerous past.

As Miki learns more about his biological family, he finally realizes why some people want him dead.

At #6 is "Strait Laced" by Kate Aaron. Philip Lomax is an uptight businessman who's visiting a potential client in London. One night, he goes to a club, and a male go-go dancer named Ben buys him a drink. As they spend time with each other, Philip learns how to be more open-minded, and the two of them eventually fall in love.

Next up, at #7, we have "Saving Hannah" by J.P. Barnaby. It revolves around Thomas Aberthol, a hacker who just got out of prison. When his daughter suddenly becomes extremely ill, he needs to find a way to pay for her treatment. At a job interview, he realizes that his potential employer is his former college roommate, Aleks Sanna. Because he's an ex-convict, Thomas doesn't get the job, but Aleks proposes an alternative that will change both of their lives forever.

At #8 is "Love at First Hate" by J.L. Merrow. It's about Bran Roscarrock, the heir of one of Porthkennack's most influential families. When disgraced historian Sam Ferreria is asked to curate an exhibition on Edward the Black Prince, which is funded by Bran, he gladly accepts. They both like each other, but conflict arises when they start disagreeing on how Prince Edward should be presented.

When disgraced historian Sam Ferreria is asked to curate an exhibition on Edward the Black Prince, which is funded by Bran, he gladly accepts.

Next, at #9, is "Shattered Glass." Written by Dani Alexander, it's the first book of her eponymous series. Austin Glass is a police officer who's intent on working his way up to the FBI, and he's living a happy life with his fiance, Angelica. His life takes a drastic turn when he meets Peter, a waiter at a local diner who he finds very attractive. Peter makes him question his own sexuality, but before he can act on his feelings, he has to deal with his personal issues stemming from his unfortunate upbringing.

At #10 is "Dead Ringer" by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler. Brandon Ringer looks exactly like his grandfather, an actor named James Ringer. After refusing to sell his grandparents' mansion in Hollywood, he decides to work for an escort agency in order to pay his bills. When he's hired by Percy Charles, who's a huge fan of James, the two of them fall in love. Their relationship is tested when they're faced with each other's personal issues, including Percy's chronic illness and Brandon's desire to step away from his grandfather's shadow.

Finally, at #11, we have "Evenfall" by Ais and Santino Hassell. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it revolves around Sin, an assassin working for an organization known as the Agency. All of his previous partners have ended up dead because of his recklessness, and he's in need of a new one. Boyd, the son of a high-ranking Agency official, is assigned to be Sin's new partner, and he's not afraid of death. Over time, they start growing fond of each other, and their relationship develops into more than just friends.