The Best Gay Romance Books of 2023, So Far

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It’s no secret that millions of readers worldwide love a good romance novel. But what about a great romance novel? To help readers find the best of the best, we’ve compiled a list of the best gay romance books of 2023 so far.

From steamy contemporary romances to passionate historical fiction, this list will provide readers with engaging stories that in turn will take them on a heartwarming journey of discovery and love.

With gripping plots, powerful characters and unexpected twists and turns, these books will have readers feeling all the feels – from butterflies in the stomach to tear-inducing moments of joy. So don’t wait any longer, grab a cup of tea and dive in!

Here’s our pick for the best MM romance books of 2023, so far.

For the Fans by Nyla K.

Kyran Harbor is a star high school quarterback on track to the NFL. The last thing he needs is a distraction, especially one that comes in the form of a six-foot-something artist who smokes too much weed and now lives in his house. 

From the moment Avi Vega’s father died, it has always been him and his mom. That status changes with their move to Boston. Shacking it up with his new step-family would be painless if not for his control freak of a stepbrother. 

Nothing about their new living situation is easy, and come college, nothing in the world could keep them within fifty miles of each other. Or so they thought. But even at the same college, it is practically an unwritten rule that interactions are to be kept at the bare minimum.

Then OnlyFans happens, and the rest is history.

For the Fans is an utterly mesmerizing enemies-to-lovers MM romance between step-brothers. Between the beautiful prose and unforgettable characters, you cannot go wrong with this epic love story. Prepare to fall in love with Avi and Kryan because their journey is anything short of enchanting.

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How to Say I Do by Tal Bauer

Tal Bauer is a master at crafting lyrical love stories. From the mesmerizing storytelling of The Jock to the breathtaking journey of Landon and Luke in You & Me, Bauer is a standout author in the world of fiction. 

In his most recent release, How to Say I Do, readers experience the beautiful and entirely unexpected whirlwind romance of Manhattan public relations expert Noël and Texas rancher and vineyard owner Wyatt. On paper, the pair makes no sense. However, the universe has other plans that start with a week-long vacation in Cancun, the perfect destination for sparks to fly. Join Noël and Wyatt on their unforgettable journey and experience the ups and downs along the way.

How to Say I Do is a dazzling new addition to Bauer’s catalog. From the picturesque beaches of Cancun to the hustle and bustle of New York City, Bauer expertly captures the landmarks and scenery the characters traverse in striking detail. Between the eloquent prose, rich storytelling, and charmingly complex characters, How to Say I Do is undoubtedly one of the best gay romance books of 2023. 

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Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman

Harper Reid is struggling. After narrowingly escaping the abusive clutches of his boyfriend, Harper has nowhere to stay and no money to his name. With limited options and dismal outlooks, he cannot believe his luck when a job offer that includes lodging lands on his lap. All he has to do is convince the notoriously difficult client to keep him.

Riley Davenport is drowning. After a tragic accident stripped him of his sight, Riley’s thrill-seeking days were cut short. Learning to navigate this now unfamiliar world proves to be more difficult than Riley could have ever imagined and asking for help has never been his strong suit.  However, there is one person who makes him feel like he can take on the world again.

Until I Saw You is a captivating MM romance overflowing with engaging dialogue, mesmerizing characters, and powerfully complex emotions. 

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In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Alice Winn’s gripping debut novel, In Memoriam, unflinchingly chronicles the tragedy, love, and loss of innocence experienced by Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood in 1914. Set against a backdrop of relentless warfare, the two friends, who believe their love for one another is unrequited, attend a peaceful boarding school in the English countryside. But when Gaunt enlists to fight, Ellwood follows him to the front, only to discover the harsh realities of war. 

An emotionally intense story of passion, courage, and survival, Winn’s depiction of these two lovers amidst the brutality of war is poignantly moving. From the poetic confessions of unrequited love to the stark reminders of the devastation inflicted by conflict, this novel is an intense exploration of the power of love and its capacity to transcend war and tragedy. In Memoriam is devastatingly beautiful, aching with emotion – an unforgettable read for all romance readers.

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Fragments by Nyla K.

In Fragments, Nyla K. returns to the wickedly alluring world of Alabaster Penitentiary, home to the most notorious criminals. 

Warren Xavier is Alabaster Pen’s notorious arsonist and resident pathological liar. Once the pretty boy prince of Manhattan, Ren’s devious charms easily win over the loyalty of the guards and inmates. But there is one person whose interest he cannot capture—the one that matters most.

Lex “Luthor” Deon is Alabaster Pen’s resident hacker. With a genius IQ and computer expertise, Lex has no trouble when it comes to anything digital. However, there is one thing that never ceases to stump him.   

Filled with angst, seduction, and illicit relationships, Fragments is the perfect read for those seeking a riveting dark MM romance.

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Prince of Lies by Lucy Lennox 

Thomas Rowe Prince is determined to make Project Daisy Chain a reality, and he’s willing to go to any length to make it happen – even if it means leaving his home in Indiana and heading to the hustle and bustle of New York City. After facing rejection after rejection, Prince’s last hope is an unbelievable plan: to pose as the mysterious billionaire Sterling Chase at a gala. But as luck would have it, the first person he meets sees right through the lie. 

Prince of Lies is a light-hearted and utterly charming MM romance that will make you laugh, blush and leave you begging for more. With witty dialogue and endearing characters, it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a romantic story with a dash of intrigue.

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Teach Me To Sin by Riley Nash

Alek has spent years trying to build a life free from his father’s shadows, but when Benji enters his life, Alek must consider the unthinkable: becoming his coach. Things heat up when Colson, a lawyer and the perfect person for damage control, is brought in to handle the PR nightmare this could create. But despite the obstacles, Alek, Benji, and Colson soon realize their connection runs deeper. Will they be able to survive the tumultuous journey ahead? 

In this riveting MMM romance, Riley Nash’s Teach Me To Sin offers age-gap love, hurt/comfort vibes, and great character development. If you’re looking for an unputdownable romance that will sweep you off your feet with its depth, look no further than this masterpiece.

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Pictures of You by Leta Blake

As summer winds down and senior year looms, Peter Mandel finds solace in an unexpected place. Enter Adam Algedi, the intriguing transfer student who’s brought a world of possibilities and no limits to the label-defying love they share. 

Tumble into the captivating whirlwind of Peter’s first love in Pictures of You — a stunningly romantic ode to ’90s growing pains and the desperate beauty of young love. Get lost in the honest exploration of first love’s magic and heartache as Peter learns to navigate these waters.

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Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson

Five years ago, Luka fled his hometown, never once looking back. That is, until his father’s rapidly deteriorating health beckons him home. Intent on making up for lost time, Luka is determined to reconcile with his childhood best friend and the boy he loved as a teen, Rook.

Welcome to Meet Me in the Blue, an emotional love story between two friends perfect for readers who adore small towns, meddlesome moms, Dungeons and Dragons, gossiping neighbors, and a friendship that stands the test of time.

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The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

From the author of The Magpie Lord and Thinking of England comes The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen, a breathtaking regency romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and Poldark.

Ever since the fateful day his mother passed and his father shipped him off to London to live with his neglectful uncle, Gareth Inglis has been without love and affection. 

When his father dies, leaving Gareth to inherit the secluded Romney Marsh, he says goodbye to London and returns to the Marsh, a world ruled by smugglers and led by Joss Doomsday, the leader of the infamous Doomsday smuggling gang and a charismatic stranger from Gareth’s past.

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Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon

Luca Alessi’s life was thrown into chaos with the death of his father, uncovering secrets that continue to pile onto the already-heavy burden on his shoulders. Making matters worse is a drawn-out divorce process with a prickly ex. In the midst of all this, he meets Ellis Day—a broke twenty-something faced with the unthinkable: turning to a life of prostitution to pay for basic needs. But through this chance encounter, both of their lives are changed for the better as a deeply romantic story begins to unfold.

For readers looking for a heartwarming romance with age-gap dynamics, comedy, and unforgettable characters, Addicted to Ellis D promises an unputdownable journey. Get ready to get addicted!

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The Long Run by James Acker

Sebastian Villeda has grown tired of his reputation as “Bash the Flash”—the fastest sprinter in South Jersey and well-loved captain of the track team. All he wants is to drop the facades and discover his true identity. His journey of self-discovery leads him to Sandro Miceli, the captain of the field team commonly known as “The Italian Yeti” for his extraordinary body hair and height. Despite his seemingly inviting demeanor, Sandro has no friends…until Bash enters the picture.

In author James Acker’s beautiful young adult debut novel, The Long Run, readers are presented with a raw and honest portrait of teenage angst, familial struggles, and the complexities of first love amidst a toxic landscape of masculinity. An inspiring and poignant coming-of-age story, this book is sure to leave an impact on young adult readers.

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Until You by Briar Prescott

When Jude’s rooftop pitstop introduces him to Blake McAdam’s, he never expects to see him again. But fate has other plans, and Blake is determined to befriend Jude despite his trust issues. However, Blake is holding onto secrets of his own, and they could prove to be the undoing of their relationship. 

Until You is an irresistible MM Romance that will have you turning the pages nonstop. Emotional and hilarious, with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, this book will leave you with a permanent smile on your face.

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Lor by Lily Mayne 

Lily Mayne returns to her imaginative world where monsters and humans fall in love. In Lor, the seventh installment to the Monstrous series, Jugs, a 20-something camp counselor unwittingly lands himself in the home of Lor’s, an otherworldly creature and leader of a fiefdom in an alternate world. 

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The Tragedy of Felix and Jake by J. Daniels 

The day Jake Tully’s girlfriend breaks up with him via text, he loses seven years of sobriety, is dishonorably discharged from the military, and moves in with his brother in hopes of getting his life back on track. 

There he meets Felix, a recovering addict who offers to become Jake’s sponsor after bonding over donuts and coffee. The two hit it off, and despite their mutual attraction, nothing could ever happen. Not if it means risking their sobriety.

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and emotional, The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is a tragic love story between two recovering addicts determined to remain clean.   

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Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly

Rattlesnakes may not have the best track record with humans, but—in the case of Alexei Lebedev and Ben Caravalho—they may as well be matchmakers orchestrating meet-cutes and jumpstarting instant connections between unassuming hikers.  

Lexi and Ben both venture onto the Pacific Crest Trail to heal from the scars left behind by those closest to them, and along the way, they find something so incredibly unexpected yet so utterly perfect.   

And it all starts with a rattlesnake.

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The New Guy by Sarina Bowen 

Hudson Newgate is tired of being nicknamed The New Guy. When he finds himself traded once again, he knows it is crucial to make himself an invaluable asset to the Brooklyn Bruisers if he hopes to nix a future trade. For that to happen, there cannot be any distractions, especially ones that come in the form of the team’s hot new athletic trainer and single dad, Gavin Gillis.

The New Guy is a sweet MM hockey romance from Sarina Bowen, perfect for fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope, single dads, and adorable kids. 

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