Books Like...

'Upside Down' by N.R. Walker revolves around Jordan O'Neill, a gay, geeky librarian who is socially awkward and a nervous rambler. When he discovers the label 'asexual,' it turns his world upside down. He meets Hennessy Lang, who is also asexual, and together they navigate self-exploration, revelations, and love. The story is a gentle and revelatory exploration of asexuality through the characters of Jordan and Hennessy, as they come to terms with their identities and find support in their friends and community.

The writing style of 'Upside Down' is described as top-notch, with outstanding characterizations and an incredible plot. is praised for its representation of asexuality as a spectrum and not a monolith, and for the well-rounded characters who are not reduced to their labels. The story is portrayed as joyful, complex, and endearing, focusing on themes of self-acceptance, love, and friendship.

In "Blank Spaces" by Cass Lennox, Vaughn and Jonah, two very different men, navigate their attraction to each other while investigating art thieves. Vaughn, an asexual gay man, works at an art gallery and comes from a wealthy background, while Jonah, an insurance investigator, is promiscuous and self-made. The book explores their personal journeys, relationships, and the challenges they face, all set against the backdrop of art theft in Toronto.

Uncommonly Tidy Poltergeists by Angel Martinez is a charming tale about Taro, a lottery winner who starts experiencing mysterious occurrences in his newly acquired properties. These strange happenings lead him to seek the help of ghost hunter Jack, and together they uncover the truth behind the supernatural events. The book beautifully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and the paranormal, all while exploring themes of asexuality and personal growth. Martinez's writing style captivates readers with its light-hearted tone, lovable characters, and a perfect blend of spookiness and humor.

The Rat Catcher's Daughter by KJ Charles is a charming novella set in the Lilywhite Boys series, focusing on the sweet and tender romance between Miss Christiana, a musical hall singer and female impersonator, and Stan, the Lilywhite Boys' fence. The story follows Christiana's struggle with a debt owned by a gang leader, Kammy, and Stan's unwavering support and admiration for her, leading to a heartwarming connection between the two characters. KJ Charles's writing style is described as impeccable, with an exciting plot, endearing characters, and a focus on LGBTQ representation, making it a delightful and engaging read for fans of the series.

All the Wrong Places by Ann Gallagher is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that explores the romance between two asexual characters, Brennan and Zafir. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, their individual struggles with identity and acceptance, and the unique dynamics of their connection. Through a slow-building romance, the author skillfully navigates themes of asexuality, single fatherhood, friendship, and personal growth, creating a narrative that is both educational and emotionally moving. The writing style is flowing and engaging, capturing the natural and organic progression of Brennan and Zafir's relationship with authenticity and depth.

"Meet Cute Club" by Jack Harbon revolves around Jordan, a hopeless romantic who hosts a romance book club to connect with like-minded individuals. When the club starts losing members, Jordan becomes worried as the club has become therapeutic and integral to his identity. One day, while at a local bookstore, Jordan meets Rex, a grumpy and cynical bookseller who initially dismisses romance novels. Despite their differences, Rex decides to attend the book club meeting, and as they get to know each other, Jordan discovers there is more to Rex than his gruff exterior. explores themes of community, interpersonal relationships, and the validity of romance novels as a genre, all set in a small town in Oklahoma.

The writing style of "Meet Cute Club" is described as cute, with a focus on books and reading, which resonates with many readers. The relationship between Jordan and Rex is portrayed as sweet and spicy, with an electric dynamic that evolves throughout the story. Despite some readers finding the writing lacking in certain aspects, the book is praised for its cozy feel, heartwarming romance, and the exploration of themes beyond just romance novels.

'Heartsong' in the 'Green Creek' series by T.J. Klune delves deep into the life of Robbie Fontaine, offering readers a heart-wrenching and surprising journey filled with love, brotherhood, family, and betrayal. The intricate relationships between characters like Robbie, Kelly, Gordo, and Ox are expertly portrayed, adding depth to the overarching narrative of the series. not only explores werewolf adventures but also delves into the themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of human connections, captivating readers with its emotional depth and compelling storytelling.

Klune's writing style shines through in 'Heartsong,' drawing readers into the Green Creek world with its rich character development and engaging plot twists. seamlessly weaves together elements of romance, action, and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also tugging at their heartstrings with its poignant exploration of love and acceptance within the Bennett pack.

In 'His Quiet Agent' by Ada Maria Soto, the story revolves around Arthur, a quiet and unremarkable agent who craves more recognition at work. His path crosses with Martin, a mysterious and introverted coworker known as 'The Alien,' who rarely interacts with others. As Arthur befriends and nurtures Martin, a sweet and authentic romance unfolds between them. The book delicately explores themes of asexuality, friendship, and acceptance, while maintaining a subtle and heartwarming writing style that captivates readers with its quiet charm and emotional depth.

"Let's Talk About Love" by Claire Kann follows the story of Alice, a biromantic asexual young woman navigating relationships, friendships, and family dynamics. Readers are introduced to Alice's struggles with her asexuality and biromantic orientation, as well as her journey in finding acceptance and understanding from those around her. delves into themes of self-discovery, communication, and the complexities of romantic relationships, all while portraying diverse representation and addressing important issues with sensitivity and depth. The writing style is described as sweet, funny, and heartwarming, with a focus on Alice's internal thoughts and emotions, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist.

In "How to Be a Normal Person" by T.J. Klune, readers follow the quirky and hilarious journey of Gus, a socially awkward but lovable character who runs a video rental store and doesn't own a smartphone. When Gus meets Casey, an asexual stoner hipster, their friendship blossoms into something more, leading to a heartwarming and humorous exploration of their relationship. The book is character-driven, focusing on the endearing characters and their experiences as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of being true to oneself in a world that values normalcy.

The story is filled with laughter, poignant moments, and a vein of grief that adds depth to Gus's character. The asexual representation in the book is praised for its excellence, contributing to the overall charm of the narrative. Through witty dialogues, relatable characters, and a touch of absurdity, "How to Be a Normal Person" offers a unique and entertaining reading experience that delves into themes of acceptance, individuality, and finding happiness in being true to oneself.