Looking for heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its beautiful, diverse forms? These 20 LGBTQ+ romance books have become popular for a reason! From charming meet-cutes to deep emotional journeys, these contemporary love stories will make you smile, swoon, and maybe even shed a happy tear or two.
Let’s kick things off with a modern classic. Red, White & Royal Blue follows the love story between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, a British prince. Their romance starts with a fake friendship that blossoms into something much deeper. This book is filled with witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and heartfelt reflections on family and identity. It’s a fun, fast-paced read that’s equal parts romantic and political, but always charming. Fans love how McQuiston crafts a sweet, slow-burn romance that feels like a fairy tale come true.
Casey McQuiston strikes again with One Last Stop, a time-bending, magical love story. This time, we follow August, a cynical 23-year-old, who meets Jane, a punk rocker stuck on a New York subway from the 1970s. The romance between August and Jane is electric, sweet, and filled with McQuiston’s signature humor. The found-family dynamic and the quirky cast of characters add depth to the romance, making it both charming and heartfelt. One Last Stop beautifully blends everyday life with a bit of mystery, creating a love story that will tug at your heartstrings.
This stunning retelling of Greek mythology focuses on the deep and tragic romance between Achilles and Patroclus. While The Song of Achilles leans more toward historical fiction, the tender and heart-wrenching love story at its core is unforgettable. Miller’s poetic writing brings the ancient world to life, and the slow, intimate build-up of their relationship is sweet and beautifully crafted. The romance is full of longing, devotion, and sacrifice, making this book a must-read for those who love epic love stories with rich emotional depth.
In Boyfriend Material, Luc O'Donnell is the son of rock star parents, and his wild past has caught up with him. To clean up his image, he enlists the help of Oliver Blackwood, a proper, buttoned-up lawyer, to pose as his fake boyfriend. What starts as a faux relationship quickly turns into a genuinely sweet romance, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way. Luc and Oliver’s opposites-attract dynamic creates both hilarity and heartwarming chemistry. This book delivers a charming, feel-good story that’s perfect for fans of light-hearted romcoms.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a charming coming-of-age romance that follows Simon Spier, a high school junior who hasn’t come out as gay. When his secret emails with an anonymous classmate (codenamed “Blue”) are leaked, Simon is forced to face his identity head-on. The slow-burn romance between Simon and Blue is incredibly sweet, as they build a connection based on vulnerability and shared experiences. The book’s light tone, combined with Albertalli’s humor and sensitivity, makes it an iconic LGBTQ+ romance that continues to resonate with readers.
Heartstopper is a graphic novel series that perfectly captures the beauty and awkwardness of first love. It follows the blossoming romance between Charlie, an openly gay teen, and Nick, a popular rugby player who starts to question his own sexuality. The artwork is simple yet emotionally expressive, and the story itself is full of heart, sweetness, and plenty of wholesome moments. Heartstopper explores themes of coming out, self-discovery, and young love in a way that’s both heartwarming and uplifting. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a gentle, feel-good romance.
Something to Talk About centers around Jo, a Hollywood showrunner, and her assistant, Emma. When a photo of them laughing together sparks rumors of a romance, the two women have to navigate their complicated feelings. This slow-burn romance is all about subtle glances, quiet moments, and the growing emotional tension between the characters. Wilsner does a fantastic job of building chemistry between Jo and Emma, resulting in a tender, well-paced love story. If you’re a fan of workplace romances with a sweet payoff, this book is for you.
Autoboyography is a tender, young adult love story between Tanner, a bisexual high school student, and Sebastian, a devout Mormon. Set against the backdrop of Utah’s religious culture, this novel explores the challenges of love, faith, and identity. The romance between Tanner and Sebastian is sweet, full of longing, and deeply emotional. Christina Lauren expertly balances the tension between their feelings and the obstacles they face. It’s a beautifully written story about being true to yourself and finding love in unexpected places.
While the title gives away a major spoiler, They Both Die at the End is a touching story about living fully in the present moment. On the day they’re predicted to die, Mateo and Rufus connect through an app designed to help people find companionship in their final hours. What follows is an unforgettable day where the two boys form a deep connection and fall in love. Silvera’s exploration of love, mortality, and vulnerability is heart-wrenching but also full of hope. This bittersweet romance will leave a lasting impact on readers.
This delightful romcom is a modern twist on the classic fake-dating trope. Elle, an astrologer, and Darcy, an uptight actuary, couldn’t be more different. When they agree to fake a relationship to appease their families, sparks start to fly in ways neither of them expected. The chemistry between them is electric, and their banter is hilarious. Written in the Stars is full of warmth, humor, and just the right amount of romantic tension, making it a perfect pick for fans of opposites-attract love stories.
In Honey Girl, Grace Porter, a high-achieving woman who just earned her Ph.D., impulsively marries a stranger during a wild night in Vegas. Her new wife, Yuki, is a dreamy, romantic radio show host who helps Grace on her journey of self-discovery. The romance is sweet and slow, as Grace learns to let go of her perfectionist tendencies and embrace vulnerability. Rogers does a beautiful job of exploring themes like burnout, identity, and the importance of love and friendship. Honey Girl is as much about finding yourself as it is about finding love.
This friends-to-lovers romance tells the story of Kendall, a rising Hollywood star, and Payton, her best friend, who’s been in love with her for years. The story is packed with emotional tension as Kendall comes to terms with her own feelings for Payton. Their relationship evolves from a deep friendship to a passionate love story, filled with sweet, heartfelt moments. Zimmer captures the complexities of falling in love with your best friend, making this an emotionally satisfying read. Fans of slow-burn romance will love this one.
Felix Ever After follows Felix Love, a Black, queer, transgender teen navigating love, identity, and self-acceptance. When someone publicly outs him at school, Felix embarks on a journey of revenge that leads him to unexpected romance. The love story is sweet and full of heart, but it’s also a powerful exploration of gender identity and the experience of being queer. Callender writes with warmth and honesty, making Felix’s story one that resonates deeply with readers. It’s a beautiful, uplifting story about finding love and embracing who you are.
Her Royal Highness is a fun, fluffy romance set in a Scottish boarding school, where Millie falls for her roommate, Flora, who just so happens to be a princess. What starts as an enemies-to-lovers dynamic quickly transforms into a cute, feel-good romance. The chemistry between Millie and Flora is playful and sweet, with plenty of banter and adorable moments. It’s a light-hearted, fairy-tale romance that’s perfect for when you need something fun and heartwarming. Hawkins delivers a royal romance that’s equal parts charming and swoon-worthy.
This delightful young adult romance follows Liz Lighty, a Black queer teen with dreams of attending an elite college. When she decides to run for prom queen to win a scholarship, she never expects to fall for her competitor, Mack. The romance between Liz and Mack is sweet and full of tender, heartfelt moments. Johnson weaves a story that’s both uplifting and full of charm, with themes of self-acceptance and the importance of being true to yourself. It’s a lovely, feel-good read with plenty of heart.
The Charm Offensive is a romantic comedy with plenty of heart. It follows Dev, a producer on a popular dating show, and Charlie, the awkward tech entrepreneur cast as the lead. Charlie struggles with his public persona, but Dev steps in to help him navigate the world of reality TV—and their chemistry becomes undeniable. What makes this book special is its sweet exploration of mental health, self-worth, and love in unexpected places. Dev and Charlie’s slow-burn romance is both charming and emotionally satisfying, making it a perfect feel-good read.
This steamy workplace romance follows Wesley and Raymond, two men working in finance. Wesley is Raymond’s assistant, and while both have been harboring feelings for each other, the power dynamic keeps them apart. However, when their professional relationship evolves, sparks fly, and they have to decide if it’s worth risking their careers for love. The romance is tender yet full of tension, exploring themes of trust and vulnerability. Lin writes a beautiful balance between the personal and professional struggles they face, offering a satisfying journey to love.
Perfect on Paper is a delightful bisexual romance that follows Darcy, a high school junior who anonymously gives love advice to her classmates. When her identity is discovered by Brougham, the most popular guy in school, he enlists her help to win back his ex. As Darcy helps him navigate his relationship drama, she starts to develop feelings for him. The book explores important themes like bisexuality, identity, and the pressures of growing up. Darcy’s personal growth, combined with a heartwarming love story, makes this a standout in LGBTQ+ romance.
In The Falling in Love Montage, Saoirse doesn’t believe in happily ever afters, but everything changes when she meets Ruby. Ruby suggests a summer of fun, carefree romance inspired by classic rom-coms, with the promise that it won’t end in heartbreak. The result is a funny, lighthearted, and heartwarming love story. Saoirse’s witty, cynical voice contrasts beautifully with Ruby’s optimism, creating a dynamic that’s both fun and emotionally touching. This sweet lesbian romance is a perfect summer read for those who love romcoms with depth.
Out on Good Behavior is a delightful, light romance about Frankie, a college senior who has always avoided commitment—until she meets Samara, the daughter of conservative parents. Samara is cautious and reserved, and their chemistry takes time to develop into a deep and meaningful relationship. The novel strikes a balance between playful flirtation and more serious emotional moments. Adler’s writing is fun and accessible, with plenty of sweet, feel-good scenes that will have you rooting for Frankie and Samara from start to finish.
These 20 books offer a wonderful range of LGBTQ+ love stories, from tender, coming-of-age romances to laugh-out-loud romcoms and deep emotional journeys. Each one highlights the beauty of love in its many forms, with sweet and touching moments that will leave you smiling long after the final page. Whether you're looking for a fun, light-hearted read or something a bit more poignant, these contemporary LGBTQ+ romances are perfect for every reader. Happy reading!