Category: Homoromantic

Promising the Moon

By Em

Aurora Melnyk was a perfectionist. She wanted to be perfect or be nothing. Growing up the daughter of the best ballerina in history, according to the public at least, meant she was to always be in the spotlight. Even when she didn’t follow her mother’s steps in ballet and turned to contemporary, all eyes were on her to see if she could live up to her mother. Every mistake, every injury was broadcasted for the world to see. At least, all injuries besides her knee.

Her constant knee problems finally come to head when Juliette Deveraux, her dancing partner for almost two years, forces her into a doctor’s office.

Now, at her dream school and an opportunity of a lifetime, she has to decide what is more important. Her life dream or her well-being. The choice isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Or she could choose option number three. Lose it all.

Representation:

Gender: cis girls, cis boys, non-binary

Sexual Orientation: queer (unlabeled)

Romantic Orientation: aromantic (side character), homoromantic

Race/Ethnicity: white, biracial, Latinx, east Asian

Disability: mental illness

Ship It

By Britta Lundin

CLAIRE is a sixteen-year-old fangirl obsessed with the show Demon Heart. FOREST is an actor on Demon Heart who dreams of bigger roles. When the two meet at a local Comic-Con panel, it’s a dream come true for Claire. Until the Q&A, that is, when Forest laughs off Claire’s assertion that his character is gay.

Claire is devastated. After all, every last word of her super-popular fanfic revolves around the romance between Forest’s character and his male frenemy. She can’t believe her hero turned out to be a closed-minded jerk. Forest is mostly confused that anyone would think his character is gay. Because he’s not. Definitely not.

Unfortunately for Demon Heart, when the video of the disastrous Q&A goes viral, the producers have a PR nightmare on their hands. In order to help bolster their image within the LGBTQ+ community-as well as with their fans-they hire Claire to join the cast for the rest of their publicity tour. What ensues is a series of colorful Comic-Con clashes between the fans and the show that lead Forest to question his assumptions about sexuality and help Claire come out of her shell. But how far will Claire go to make her ship canon? To what lengths will Forest go to stop her and protect his career? And will Claire ever get the guts to make a move on Tess, the very cute, extremely cool fanartist she keeps running into? Ship It is a funny, tender, and honest look at all the feels that come with being a fan.

Representation: MC is a questioning lesbian; love interest is Black and homoromantic pansexual.

Ownvoices: queer/lesbian representation.

Infernal Providence: Heir of Destruction

By J Armand

The fifth book in The Immortal Coil series is here! Jump back into the apocalyptic adventure with Dorian and his allies as they take on the first of the Infernal Kings in this hellish epic. Who will be left to pick up the pieces when the flames of war are extinguished and can Earth’s forces rebuild a better, more inclusive world for the future of humanity?

Publisher’s Description:
The inevitable has arrived. Civilizations across the globe have begun to collapse under the insurmountable pressure exerted by the invasions from Hell, and there is no going back. All attempts to staunch the hemorrhaging of mortal lives have produced anemic results at best. As populations and resources are depleted in a steady downward spiral, the skeletal remains of governments worldwide close their borders and abandon international aid treaties in favor of riding out the storm alone in their own dark corners.

While humanity trembles and death tolls soar, the gods and their supernatural allies continue fighting to stymie the ever-advancing Infernal hordes. Each divinity has staked their claim in certain locations to foster relations with the survivors there, be it a modest abbey or multinational empire. Dorian, the Ascended One, and his Alabaster Order have fought without pause for months to tip the delicate balance of peace and chaos ever so slightly in their favor, but it is Dorian’s champion, Nathaniel, who has made the greatest impact on both sides. Known throughout the world as a bringer of hope to the innocent and a foe to demons rivaling the gods themselves, Nathaniel has thrived under his master’s tutelage.

But as the already frenetic pace of demonic invasions accelerates further, no amount of hope or divine might will prepare Earth’s forces for what is about to blow the doors off on its way to total domination.

Genre: science fiction/fantasy

Representation:

Gender:
 Cis girls: [many] incl. Marianna, Isis, Kamakura, Aífe, Aurelia, Sierra, Minerva
Cis boys: [many] incl. Dorian, Nathaniel, Noah, Lyle, Gianluca, Calder, Octavio

Sexuality:
Gay: Dorian, Gianluca
Bisexual: Noah
Heterosexual: Lyle, Calder, Aífe, Rebecca, Sierra

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Dorian/Noah
Heteroromantic: Lyle, Rebecca

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Dorian, Lyle, Noah, Aurelia, Aífe, Calder
Black: Isis, Monique
Latinx: Sierra
East Asian: Empress Kamakura & Guardian Spirits
Multiracial: Liam, many [most of the Alabaster Order]
Middle Eastern/North African: Samir

Disability: Mental illness [anxiety disorder], Physical [missing limb]

Location: Greece, India, Italy, China, Japan, Iceland, Greenland

Trigger Warnings: violence/death for action media, very minor reference to alcohol abuse]

Additional Notes: Many religions, sexualities, and genders not listed if not plot-relevant, specifically referenced, or yet to be revealed.

Ownvoices: Gay male, anxiety disorder

Ending: Happy ending

Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace!

By Claire Davis

First love – coming of age – family – acceptance

When Charlie was eight years old, his mum bought him a microscope for his birthday. Since then, he’s known how he wants to spend his life. There have been trials, and challenges, but now – finally – the day is here for him to start college with his lifelong friend Anthony Pace.

Anthony is a red-haired force of nature. He writes poetry about their enemies and eagerly participates in all Charlie’s science experiments without understanding a word. Every morning, he waits at the end of their street so they can get the bus together.

But things are changing.

Families are important, and complex. Charlie’s mum hasn’t been well, and his relationship with Anthony begins to shine like a different star in the sky.

Can everything come together in this explosion of physics and chemicals that Charlie calls life? Will Anthony Pace ever share his poems with the world, and can the Chihuahua, Princess Arabella, ever learn to stop licking?

Genre: YA/NA contemporary, romance

Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Charlie, Anthony

Sexuality:
Gay: Charlie, Anthony

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Charlie, Anthony

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Charlie, Anthony

Disability: Charlie – autism spectrum

Location: England

Additional Notes: * Charlie’s mum is developing dementia
* includes moderately explicit scenes of intimacy between consenting young adult males.

Ownvoices: Al Stewart is gay

Ending: Happy

Rainbow Briefs

By Kira Harp

Have you ever looked at a picture, perhaps a photo of two guys in a tight hug, or two girls holding hands, and wondered, What happened before that moment? What will they do next?

These fifteen stories were inspired by images from the Young Adult LGBT Books Group. In these pages you’ll find LGBTQ teenagers living their lives – experiencing first encounters and long relationships, coming out, staying closeted, questioning, loving, having adventures, dealing with family, with prejudice, with magic. Author Kira Harp provides this collection of Young Adult romantic, fantasy, and contemporary short stories.

Genre: YA short stories – contemporary, paranormal, fantasy

Representation:
Gender:
Cis girls: Adara, Candice, Hayley, Bri, Nicola, Kim
Cis boys: Julio, Mark, Toren, Baylor, Vic, Justin, Colby, Jerrod, Tommy, Con, Nick, Zeke, Spencer, Mitch, Adam, Joe, Lance
Trans girls: Lisa
Trans boys: Sam

Sexuality:
Gay: Julio, Mark, Sam, Toren, Baylor, Vic, Justin, Con, Nick, Zeke, Spencer, Mitch, Adam, Joe, Lance
Lesbian: Adara, Candice, Hayley, Bri, Nicola, Kim
Bisexual: Jerrod
Heterosexual: Lisa
Questioning: Colby

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Julio, Mark, Adara, Candice, Sam, Toren, Baylor, Hayley, Bri, Vic, Justin, Nicola, Kim, Con, Nick, Zeke, Spencer, Mitch, Adam, Joe, Lance
Biromantic: Jerrod:
Heteroromantic: Lisa
Poly Romantic: Spencer, Mitch, Adam

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Mark, Adara, Candice, Hayley, Bri, Vic, Justin, Con, Nick, Zeke, Lisa, Joe, Lance
Latinx: Julio

Disability:
Mark – club foot
Tommy – Down’s Syndrome

Location: various

Trigger Warnings: homophobia/homomisa, grieving, depression, kidnapping/imprisonment

Additional Notes: free ebook on many sites

Ending: all happy endings

Nobody’s Butterfly

By Claire Davis

Cobweb ghosts are so inconvenient—especially grumpy ones with bad breath. Don’t they know silence is golden?

Johnny Strong is the expert; he hasn’t spoken in two years. Not one word to anyone except the ghost. The main purpose of life is to avoid people and not get noticed. Friends? He doesn’t need them; and certainly nobody wants him despite what the ghost says.

Until a new boy appears at Windybank—Finn Lyons, teenage wizard. He eats frogs, concocts potions, and is always hungry. Not only does Finn stand up for Johnny; he actively seeks his company and soon becomes part of life.
First love; family and words; a heady mix to go in the potion but how will it all turn out?

Hubble bubble; Johnny Strong’s in trouble! Silence is not always golden in this sweet, zany story of the purest magic at Christmas.

Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary

Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Johnny, Finn

Sexuality:
Gay: Johnny, Finn

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Johnny, Finn

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Johnny, Finn

Disability:
Johnny – elective mutism, depression, possible PTSD
Finn – unspecified mental and physical health issues secondary to emotional abuse

Location: England

Trigger Warnings: history of emotional abuse, family deaths, mild self-harm, depression, brief suicidal ideation

Ownvoices: Al Stewart is gay

Ending: Happy

The Devil’s Trill Sonanta (Vivaldi book 2)

By Matthew Metzger

Three years after that first meeting in a theatre storeroom, Jayden Phillips and Darren Peace are separating for the first time, trading in school for the trappings of adult life. Jayden has achieved his dream of a place at Cambridge University; Darren has achieved his own of escaping the Cold War of home and tasting true independence for the first time.

A hundred miles apart and embarking on two very different paths, Jayden feels it is inevitable that time and distance will slowly pull them apart. School relationships, after all, don’t last. Darren disagrees — at first. Love is all they need, and they have weathered harder storms than chasing dreams.

That is until the separation, and the encroaching influence of Jayden’s new friends, begins to take its toll on Darren’s mental state. Alone, he descends in a rapid downward spiral that is finally arrested by one night and a drastic course of action. In the wake of a single unanswered phone call, Jayden learns that time and distance have the power to do much more than break a relationship.

The dream is over — and the reality is far, far worse.

Genre: contemporary, romance

Representation:

Gender:
Cis boys: Darren, Jayden

Sexuality:
Gay: Jayden
Bisexual: Darren

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Jayden
Biromantic: Darren

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Darren, Jayden

Disability: Darren – major depression

Location: England

Trigger Warnings: mental health issues, self harm, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, homophobia

Ending: happy for now

Vivaldi in the Mirror

By Matthew Metzger

Out-and-regretting-it comprehensive attendee Jayden Phillips turns his cast-iron plans for life upside-down by falling in love with private-school violinist Darren Peace, a sardonic boy with the craziest hair Jayden’s ever seen.

But all is not what it seems, and Jayden’s bullying problem becomes meaningless when he is confronted with what the music does to Darren. How do you stop a dangerous depression rooted in the same thing that makes someone what they are? Dark moods, blank apathy, and the undertow of self-loathing all simmer beneath Darren’s dry and beautiful veneer, and Jayden feels powerless to stop them.

Then a mugging gone wrong takes the music forcibly away, and Jayden is finally given the chance to change Darren’s life — and, quite literally, his mind.

Genre: contemporary, romance

Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Darren, Jayden

Sexuality:
Gay: Jayden
Bisexual: Darren

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Jayden
Biromantic: Darren

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Darren, Jayden

Disability: Darren – major depression

Location: England

Trigger Warnings: mental health issues, self harm, history of suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, homophobia/homomisia, physical injury

Ending: happy for now

Throwing Stones

By Robin Reardon Robin

Is it the crush young Jesse Bryce has on the exotic Griffin Holyoke or something else that makes Jesse want to build a bridge of acceptance between his town and Griffin’s Pagan community? And can he do it?

Publisher’s Description:

Something is drawing seventeen-year-old Jesse Bryce toward the community of Pagans who live in “the village,” just outside his rural Oklahoma town. Maybe it’s that he has a crush on Griffin Holyoke, a tall, dark-haired boy with a tree tattooed all up his back. Or maybe it’s that the Pagans accept Jesse for who he is, unlike his family—or his church, where he hears that being gay is a sin.

After a man from the village is murdered while trying to prevent an assault on a girl from the town, Jesse’s confusion at the town’s unsympathetic reaction inspires him to set a mission for himself: to build a bridge of acceptance between the town and the village.

As Jesse defies his parents and continues to visit the village, he witnesses mysterious rituals that haunt him with their beauty and intensity. And he falls in love with one enigmatic, mercurial Pagan who opens his eyes to a whole new world.

This first-person story explores what can happen when we make conclusions about others based on too little information, or on the wrong information. Whether we’re misunderstanding each others’ religions or each others’ sexual orientation, everyone benefits from learning the truth. And everyone benefits from forgiveness.

Genre: Contemporary

Representation:
Gender:
Cis boy: Jesse
Cis boy: Ronan

Sexual Orientation:
Gay: Jesse
Bi: Ronan

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Jesse
Biromantic: Ronan

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Jesse, Ronan

Religion
Christian: Jesse
Pagan: Ronan

Trigger Warnings:
Rape of non-central character (not described); death of non-central character (not described); death of a black cat; tornado; fire

Waiting for Walker

By Robin Reardon

The only good thing in young Micah Jaeger’s life is the camera his dad gave him before his folks split. He hides that he’s gay, and he’s ashamed that his mother consults a medium to talk to her older son, killed in Afghanistan. Then the gorgeous Walker Donnell sails into Micah’s life in his beautiful sailboat, and things are wonderful. That is, until Walker reveals his secret: He’s intersex.

Publisher’s Description:

Micah Jaeger’s life is a mess. His folks have split, and his mother is seeing a medium to communicate with Micah’s older brother, killed in Afghanistan. He had to change schools for his junior year, and he retreats further into himself, hiding behind his camera—and hiding that he’s gay.

One sunny day in June, as he’s shooting a dead seagull on the shore of Long Island Sound, a mysterious guy appears in a beautiful sailboat. At first, the guy’s boat shoes are the image that stays with Micah. But soon it’s the person himself, Walker Donnell, who haunts Micah’s dreams.

Walker’s life looks perfect to Micah. His wealthy parents adore him. He has everything he could want. He’s gorgeous and generous. And he falls hard for Micah. But he has a secret: Walker is intersex.

The closer Walker and Micah grow, the more Walker feels the need to be sure of himself in ways he hasn’t fully faced before, and now it’s his turn to retreat. Micah knows Walker is worth waiting for, so he waits. And waits.

Genre: Contemporary

Representation:
Gender:
Cis boy: Micah
Intersex boy: Walker

Sexual Orientation:
Gay/Queer: Micah, Walker

Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Micah, Walker

Race/Ethnicity:
White: Micah, Walker

Religion
Christian, Islam

Trigger Warnings:
Shark attack, dog injured/dying, Catholic dogmatism, war