Books Like...

'Conventionally Yours' by Annabeth Albert is a new adult queer fiction novel that follows the story of Conrad and Alden, two rival gamers who are part of an LGBT gaming group. The book explores their journey from enemies to friends to potentially something more as they embark on a road trip from the East Coast to a gaming convention in Las Vegas. The plot focuses on their complex relationship, the challenges they face, and the growth they experience as individuals while navigating through misunderstandings, angst, and the competitive gaming world. The writing style of the book delves into themes of neurodiversity, homophobia, and class differences with a deft hand, providing a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope within the gaming community.

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren is a YA contemporary romance that follows Tanner, a bisexual teen who moves to Mormon Provo, Utah, where he falls for Sebastian, the Bishop's son. Their love story is portrayed as electrifying and tender, exploring the challenges of being in a homosexual relationship in a conservative religious community. The book delves into themes of faith, sexuality, and acceptance, while also highlighting the supportive relationships Tanner has with his family and friends, especially Autumn.

The narrative is described as thought-provoking, honest, and sweet, with a focus on first love and self-acceptance. The book skillfully portrays the struggles of coming to terms with one's identity and navigating relationships in the face of societal and religious expectations, all while maintaining an engaging and emotional storyline that resonates with readers.

The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The story follows the life of Alexias, a young Athenian aristocrat, from his early years during the plague of Athens to his involvement in the war and his struggles to keep his family alive. The novel provides a detailed portrayal of Athenian society, political intrigue, military conflicts, and philosophical discussions, with a focus on the relationships between characters like Socrates, Plato, and historical figures. The writing style includes rich prose, vivid descriptions of ancient Athens, and a first-person narrative that immerses the reader in the historical setting.

Arthur and Ben have a chance meeting at a New York City post office, sparking an interest that leads to a budding relationship. The story follows their journey of trying to find each other in a bustling city, facing challenges of miscommunication and the looming end of summer. The alternating points of view between the characters, written by the two authors, provide a satisfying and realistic portrayal of a not quite perfect relationship worth working on.

The book is a charming and light-hearted gay romance, focusing on the development of a relationship between two high school boys without the typical coming out or societal homophobia themes. The plot revolves around a sweet and wholesome love story set in NYC, with supportive friends and family, and occasional references to Broadway and Harry Potter, creating a feel-good and relatable narrative.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows the story of Simon, a 16-year-old gay teenager who prefers to keep his sexual identity a secret. When an email exchange with a boy named Blue is at risk of exposure, Simon finds himself being blackmailed to help a classmate. The book explores themes of coming out, teenage angst, friendship, and the challenges of high school life, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone.

The novel is praised for its engaging writing style, which includes a mix of narrative and emails, providing a unique and heartfelt portrayal of Simon's journey towards self-acceptance and finding love. The characters are described as funny, realistic, and well-developed, with Simon's family dynamics adding depth to the story. The book delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, social media, and the struggles of navigating identity and acceptance in a high school setting.

'In Deeper Waters' by F.T. Lukens is a fairytale with a queer twist, a story of a prince named Tal exploring his kingdom for the first time and encountering a mysterious merman named Athlen. The relationship between Tal and Athlen is soft, tender, and focused on emotions and excitement of first love. The plot is filled with adventure, royal rescues, sibling dynamics, and magic, creating a nonstop ocean adventure that keeps readers engaged. The book delves into the inner workings of the kingdom, offering a glimpse into the politics and repercussions of the main characters' actions, adding depth to the storyline.

The writing style of 'In Deeper Waters' is engaging and captivating, with well-developed characters and a diverse, progressive world. It features wonderful representation, loving relationships, and strong family bonds within the royal family. The author, F.T. Lukens, brings the characters to life, making readers care about their problems and how they navigate through them. The book is praised for its focus on relationships, lack of rivalry among the royal family, and the overall tenderness portrayed in the interactions between the characters.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala follows the protagonist, Mars, as he navigates the aftermath of his twin sister's death and delves into the mysterious Aspen Conservancy camp where she spent her summers. The book combines elements of horror, mystery, and queer themes, as Mars uncovers dark secrets about the camp and its enigmatic residents, the Honeys. The writing style is described as atmospheric, intense, and lyrical, pulling readers in with its captivating storytelling and unexpected twists.

'You & Me' by Tal Bauer is a heartwarming and emotional story about Luke and Landon, two single fathers who bond over their sons' friendship and football team. The book follows their journey from friendship to a deep and passionate love, exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and building a family. Written from Luke's perspective, the storytelling is addicting and engaging, portraying the growth of their relationship with tenderness and authenticity.

The author, Tal Bauer, skillfully weaves together the love story between Luke and Landon with the complex relationships between fathers and sons. The book beautifully captures the struggles and joys of parenting, while also delving into themes of mental health, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ representation. With a focus on building relationships and finding love later in life, 'You & Me' offers a touching and realistic portrayal of love in its various forms.

'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera is a poignant story set in a future where people receive a 24-hour notice of their impending death. The novel follows two teenage boys, Mateo and Rufus, who meet through an app for those on their last day alive. As they spend their final hours together, they form a deep connection and navigate through goodbyes, adventure, and emotional revelations. The book explores themes of mortality, friendship, living life to the fullest, and the impact of knowing one's fate, all while keeping readers on an emotional rollercoaster till the very end.

The narrative style of the book involves multiple perspectives, allowing readers to delve into the minds of different characters and experience their interconnected stories. The author weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, with a balance between mournful and joyful moments. Despite the inevitable outcome hinted at in the title, the author manages to keep the story engaging and unexpected, creating a world where the characters' reactions to their impending deaths are both relatable and emotionally resonant.