Nine Gay Romance Books That Have Your Favorite Tropes

The Loxleighs are this season’s sensations. Both are a delight to behold and be around, though no one is truly looking behind their pretty exterior. That is until Robin decides Sir John Hartlebury’s niece will be his. The baronet isn’t impressed by anything Robin is presenting, and he’s absolutely sure Robin is just a fortune hunter. 

When everything goes wrong, yet absolutely right, can a rogue really earn a happily ever after? 

Hi, Bridgerton fans! If you’re looking for your next gorgeous historical romance, definitely don’t look any further. K.J. Charles’ writing is made to warm hearts, break slumps, and be fun, with commentary on common historical romance elements and tropes. 

While this is also the first book in this series, Charles gets bonus points for having a backlog of historical romances that are all just as good. 

Kian is a four-time championship winner with racing in his blood. Harper is everything Kian is not. He’s living life at high speed, but being called up to the big leagues means he’s Kian’s new teammate.

Working together might be more dangerous than expected, as Kian’s heart seems to kick into overdrive whenever Harper is around.

Gay romance books can be cute, sweet, and fun while still discussing some heavy themes, and Rebecca J. Caffrey has written the perfect example! Reading this book was an all-around great time.

Matthew never thought he’d be hiring someone to be his fake boyfriend, but when faced with being dateless on the company retreat, faking it seemed like the better decision. However, he finds himself the butt of the ultimate cosmic joke when his fake boyfriend turns out to be his childhood nemesis, Liam. 

Things and people may not be exactly what they seem as Matthew and Liam start to really get to know each other over the course of their agreement.

Some of the best things come in the smallest packages! This novella by Jack Calder delivers everything readers want from a full-fledged novel in a novella format. Short and sweet means this romance book, and other books in the Elite Connections collection, are the perfect bite-size stories when you’re craving a well-written treat on the beach.

High school prom definitely didn’t go as planned for Amos. Instead of being a daring debut, it was a hallmark of heartbreak. Now, ten years later, and all that is in the past! He’s working on making new memories as a history teacher at the very same high school, and Hutch is an athlete, so he’s officially ancient history. Until he isn’t. Back to coach soccer at South Rock High, he wants Amos back, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes.

A.J. Truman is making archeologists of us all with a love story for the ages. Definitely easier than piecing together broken pots (or the hidden meaning in the writing on the wall), this second-chance romance story delves deep for those lucky finds and tropes that make it easy to read with characters you can’t help but love. 

Riley Tuck thought he’d left it all behind when he moved home ten years ago, but tragedy strikes and brings his ex-teammate and former friend with benefits back into his life. 

Adam knows his welcome is a little shaky. He and Riley didn’t exactly end their relationship on the best terms, and Adam is still getting insane attention for being a hockey star. He also knows their chemistry is still undeniable; their past may be the only thing preventing Adam and Riley from creating their future. 

Hot hockey boyfriend who cares about his love interest’s actual feelings and genuinely wants to help him through his grief. I repeat, hot hockey boyfriend with personal growth and emotional maturity. This sports romance with gay representation will break you, and then it will stick tape on all those little pieces to put them back together again. Thanks, Rachel Reid. 

Aiden can’t have Elijah for so many reasons, but the biggest one is his commitment to God. As a priest, he’s determined not to break his vows—vows that are getting harder to uphold when Elijah joins him on a road trip to European monasteries. While they grow closer, every vow Aiden made starts to feel more and more brittle by the day. 

Friends. I don’t know if I have the words to describe what Sierra Simone can accomplish, but we’re definitely going to try. If you want the most  heart-wrenching, beautiful angst, I only have two words for you: Sierra. Simone. 

Her commentary on depression and mental health was stunning and an interesting perspective on men’s mental health in particular. Definitely one to check trigger warnings on, and please keep in mind Catholic/religious elements are key to the plot and theme of this one!

Kieran is just looking for a roommate to split the cost of his three-bedroom house when Roderick sweeps back into town looking for a place to stay. 

The perfect solution to both of their problems is becoming roommates, but living together may be a little more complicated than expected when feelings start getting in the way. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the backstory in the “And they were roommates!” vine, this is the perfect book for you! Sarina Bowen is the queen of low angst with gorgeous multiple POVs. A title she claims over and over throughout the Vino & Veritas series. 

Roommate is the 19th installment in the series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Ejiro wants to fall in love, while Obiora just wants a free vacation. After joining the reality TV show Cupid Calling, they both hope to fulfill their desires. 

Competing against 28 other eligible bachelors for the heart of one bachelorette seems like an easy trade, but when they start falling for each other instead, everything they thought they wanted feels a little bit harder than expected. 

If you love The Bachelor/The Bachelorette, or if you’ve ever looked at a love triangle and wanted the two love interests to get together instead, this book was made for you! Not only is this a fun twist on the reality TV experience, but Oniomoh also writes gorgeous emotional intimacy that makes her characters’ sweetest moments and relationships absolutely swoon-worthy in all of her compelling Own-Voice stories. 

Billy Montgomery may not be having the best time right now, but he is going to be the best man of honor in history for his sister’s wedding. That is if he can get to Cancun.

After quite a few airport snafus, he’s now stuck on standby with Michael Evans, a fellow unfortunate traveler. Love can be easy to find and just as easy to lose in a liminal space. Will their baggage continue to be an inconvenience, or will it be their own unique fix-it meet-cute?

The first impressions in this romance book were wonderful, but there was nothing better than seeing the characters become real and close in a space that feels like perpetually untapped potential.

Jeffrey K. Davenport gives us beautiful, emotional complexity while making the experience of getting stranded in an airport seem magical and romantic. This may be the new looking confused in a hardware store, if you know what I mean.