Stunning Novels With Gay Protagonists

You might be wondering why this gay millennial is writing this list. What's the purpose? Is he okay? Is this some sort of cry for help? (No, it's not.)

The reason behind this lighthearted list is simple: there are too many serious reviews out there. Let's lighten things up a bit. Plus, this list is for my gays, girls, and they's who have been asking the question: "Where are the gay novels at? Can't gay people have their own magical adventures like Harry Potter?"

In the past, I often found myself pondering this question as I perused the aisles of my local bookstore. As a young reader engrossed in fantasy novels, I always longed for the moment when the prince charming would ride off into the sunset with his own prince charming, happily ever after.

Romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers, meet cutes, and friends-to-lovers have been extensively used as central plot devices in countless romances...but not in gay romances (*Cue sad gay noises*).

But fear not, honey! It's a new era—a better, stronger, and gayer one!

Representation in literature has evolved and progressed so much that we, as queer individuals, can now be the protagonists of our own sci-fi, fantasy, and romcom adventures.

That's why I've curated this fabulous list of novels and organized them based on common tropes that you might want to see!

P.S. Read this list with a light and gay heart.

P.P.S. There's no room for seriousness here.

P.P.P.S. Expect some memes.

The Captive Prince Trilogy.

Seriously, I entered with expectations of explicit adult content, but instead, it left me in tears of joy. Yes, tears, sis. I also initially fell into the trap of assuming it was just a story about a master and slave romance, only to be proven wrong once again. So, I had no choice but to become a devoted fan.

The Captive Prince Trilogy is based on a premise that I wouldn't normally gravitate towards, but it surprised me with its exceptionally well-written story and A+ character development.

Captive Prince kicks off with Damen, the prince of Akielos, being betrayed by his own brother in a ruthless bid to claim the throne. Stripped of his rightful place, Damen is sent as a slave to Prince Laurent, the ruler of the enemy kingdom. Suddenly thrust into the treacherous political landscape of Vere, Damen finds himself in a foreign land, far from home, with vastly different values. He must navigate this unfamiliar territory in order to save himself and his kingdom from the clutches of his own brother.

Damen and Laurent become entangled in each other's lives, using one another to further their own agendas. Laurent fights for his diminishing claim to the throne, while Damen fights for his freedom. Both are heirs to their respective kingdoms, forever bound as master and slave.

Initially, I never had any interest in the intricate politics of two warring kingdoms and their gay prince, but boy, did this book reel me in. Moreover, this trilogy features some of the most emotionally charged dialogue I've ever come across. One particular scene, where Damen stands beneath the vast empty sky, is a pivotal moment when he must make a heart-wrenching choice between a kingdom and his own love.

“A kingdom, or this?”

Gurrrrrllll, I feel you! I had to take a pause and dance my heart out to Britney's entire discography just to shake off the weight of emotions and angst this book brought me. The buildup was absolutely stunning, I was completely shook. Shook, I tell you! Queen C.S. Pacat (the author) has an incredible talent for writing prose that exudes beauty and elegance, capturing the impact of the characters' actions and words.

When it comes to romance, this novel is a slow burn and a true enemies-to-lovers story-they would literally kill each other if given the chance), and that's part of what makes it so beautiful. It's a character-driven tale narrated through Damen's eyes. We get to witness the brutality he endures under Laurent's control, unaware that his slave is the heir to the enemy kingdom. But we also see the friendship and camaraderie that blossoms between them. In a way, Damen and Laurent represent the best and worst aspects of their respective kingdoms, yet they show that they are more than just the products of their backgrounds. We witness their growth as they learn about each other, discover how to communicate, and navigate the treacherous political intrigue and impending war surrounding them.

Now, I want to be vulnerable for a moment. The first volume of this trilogy (which consists of three books) was released way back in 2012. While novels with gay protagonists were slowly emerging, there was still a limited number available, especially within the realm of gay fantasy. Perhaps that's why I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of writing and excellent character development in Captive Prince. At a time when original ideas were primarily reserved for heterosexual novels, it was refreshing to see same-sex relationships portrayed without being a focal point or obstacle for the plot to progress.

However, I must provide a word of caution. This beautifully written piece of gay literature has polarized readers due to its depictions of sexual violence, torture, and sex. The majority of these portrayals are shown in a negative light, but it may not be everyone's cup of sizzling hot tea.

The first book on this list was undeniably intense.

So, for those seeking something cute, with a dash of teen angst, a spoonful of pining, and a generous sprinkle of enemies-to-lovers, all set in a considerably gayer version of Hogwarts, look no further than Carry On.

This book stands in stark contrast to Captive Prince.

As a fabulous young man with an unnatural obsession with Harry Potter, I've always yearned for Harry and Draco to become friends and perhaps something more (I admit, I was a bit delusional). So, you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Carry On in the Young Adult section!

In the magical world of Mages, Simon Snow is the Chosen One destined to defeat the Insidious Humdrum. As Simon's final year at Watford School of Magicks approaches, he must confront his complicated relationship with his rival, Baz Pitch, while a new threat emerges from the Insurgents—a faction seeking to overthrow the Mage government. Simon and Baz, along with their friends, find themselves embroiled in a world of political intrigue, ancient artifacts, and perilous alliances. They must make choices that may require them to sacrifice everything for the sake of their friends and the world they hold dear

Okay, sis, let me be real for a moment and spill some piping hot tea. Young Adult literature isn't exactly my cup of tea. However, despite not being Early Mariah Carey Whistle Tone perfect, Carry On is genuinely enjoyable. It's a comforting read, like a box of chocolates for those who adored the Harry Potter series. It's a little throwback, but with an adorable romance between two angst-ridden teenagers.

And speaking of teenagers, this book is definitely geared towards that age group. It's a great starting point for our young readers out there (wherever they may be). But hey, if you're a grown adult looking for a break from thinking about taxes and yearning for a cozy read about a bisexual chosen one and his gay pining roommate, no judgment here.

The story features a unique take on the "Chosen One" trope (and no, I'm not just referring to Simon's bisexuality), which adds an intriguing mystery that will hook you. One thing I truly appreciate about the Young Adult section is the representation it offers, honey, because representation matters. And let's not forget to give brownie points to Simon for being an utterly endearing protagonist.

I absolutely adore the slow progression of Simon and Baz's relationship as they get to know each other better and Simon gradually realizes his own feelings.

So, dip your toes into the gay waters of cute and fluffy Young Adult!

Picture this: Instead of Matthew McConaughey (don't worry, I had to Google how to spell his last name too) and Anne Hathaway going through a wormhole, we have our two fabulous protagonists, Ambrose and Kodiak. They are the chosen representatives of two enemy nations, embarking on a daring mission to rescue the crew intended to establish a human settlement on Titan.

✨ Two boys alone in space ✨ Sworn enemies forced to work together for the success of their mission. Ambrose has a personal stake in its success, as he is saving his own sister. However, amidst memory loss, mysterious traces of a stranger aboard their ship, the presence of an Artificial Intelligence, romantic tension, and the deep-seated animosity between their opposing countries, they must learn to trust each other if they have any hope of surviving the secrets lurking within their mission and spacecraft. Cue mysterious sound effects.

From what my gay brain comprehends, Ambrose identifies as Pan, and as far as I could gather, they transcend labels (how progressive!). But let's be real, I couldn't resist including this meme:

Finally, we get to experience queerness in a space opera! This book offers excellent writing infused with a hint of existential crisis, a touch of young adult romance, and a profound exploration of what it means to be human. However, I'll tread carefully here to avoid any spoilers.

TDOU takes a delicate balance between the Young Adult and Adult genres. It keeps the romance and spiciness at a PG level while still delivering a heart-wrenching story shrouded in mystery. The narrative is highly character-driven, so brace yourself for a whirlwind of emotions. As for the sci-fi aspect, fear not, it's not intergalactic Star Trek-level complex. Although I must admit, there were moments when I had to resort to Googling some scientific concepts that I can't quite recall if I should have learned in school. I was too preoccupied memorizing the choreography to "Bad Romance."

The last time I truly enjoyed a Young Adult novel feels like a lifetime ago. So, given the circumstances, we have no choice but to dive headfirst into the captivating world of TDOU.

Characters: There’s like literally two of them + an AI

World-building: Literally had to google the meaning of Polycarbon

Angst: Teenage Angst of powerful political teens. Cute Misunderstandings.

Comedy: If you think existential and loneliness are funny then this is comedy gold.

Romance: Intimate

Plot: Twist

Gayness: OMG they were roommates

Spice: Moderate blushing for like 3 paragraphs

Hold onto your rainbow-colored hats because I'm about to introduce you to the gayest and funniest book on this entire list. We're talking Bianca Del Rio levels of funny here. We're talking Betty White funny.

I'll provide you with the official synopsis so you can get a taste of the author's and the book's sense of humor:

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City Of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King's Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam’s fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle―Knight Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can't control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan's boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks.

Imagine a world where a talking gay unicorn, a loving giant, a sassy wizard, a dreamy knight, and even a talking dragon coexist. This book has it all! And let's not forget about the villains who are downright hilarious too.

At the core of this story are the characters and their dialogue. The witty banter and quips exchanged among the cast are what make the jokes so side-splittingly funny. Each character is meticulously crafted with unique and humorous personalities. And you know what they say, golden trios (the main protagonists plus their two BFFs) always make for the best characters.

If you grew up loving Monty Python or if you appreciate ridiculous humor, you're in for a treat because the author's sense of humor is right up your alley. Trust me, not a single page will go by without you giggling or grinning. The comedic interactions between the characters are pure gold. It's stupidly funny in the best way possible. However, don't let the laughter fool you because when the angsty moments arrive, they hit hard and fast. It's all laughs and jokes until Knight Delicious Face is forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between love and duty. Oh, the pain!

And let's not beat around the bush here, things do get steamy between the characters in a love-making scene that's definitely rated 18+. Heed my warning.

In fact, you'll quickly sense the adult nature of this book from the very first chapter, thanks to all the adult jokes sprinkled throughout. And if you find the meme below funny, then my friend, you are in for an absolute treat with this book:

I understand that the author's sense of humor may not be everyone's cup of tea. This book is packed with joke after joke, and some of them can be quite crass and crude, especially the R-18 jokes. This is definitely not child-friendly and should not be read anywhere near one. It's important to be prepared for the adult-rated humor if you decide to delve into this book. However, I must emphasize that the humor shouldn't lead you to believe that the entire book is trashy.

To give you a taste of the dialogues you can expect in this book, here are some delightful snippets:

“Horse?” Gary snarled. The pretty unicorn act dropped immediately. Red sparks shot from his nose. “Did you just call me a horse? Listen here, you two-legged bag of shit. I’m not a motherfucking horse. I am a unicorn, and I am magic and a beautiful creature made of fucking sunshine and rainbows and good feelings.”

✨

“Or not,” I said as I ground my teeth. “I like to masticate by myself.”

“And you’re so good at it,” Gary said. “The up and down motions of your… jaw. And then, upon completion, you swallow. Right, Sam? You swallow, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” I said, confused. What the hell were we talking about now? “I always swallow when I finish. What am I supposed to do? Spit it back out?”

These examples represent just a small sample of the book's humor, and they may help you gauge whether the style of comedy resonates with you or not.

Ladies, gays, and theys, let me tell you, this book is the stuff of romantic dreams. "America's First Son" introduces us to Alex, a charming, charismatic, and genius young man who must pretend to be best friends with his long-standing rival, Prince Henry of England. With his mother's reelection bid and the delicate American/British relations at stake, they must maintain the facade. But as their friendship blossoms into a steamy and secret romance, they find themselves caught in a whirlwind of emotions. And let me tell you, everyone, including aliens, loves an enemies-to-lovers story with a secret relationship. *Swoons*

Can love truly save the world? Will they find the courage to be their authentic selves? And the burning question remains: Will his mother win the reelection???

If this premise, crafted by yours truly, a literate queen, doesn't pique your interest, well, you might be dead inside. Come on, we've all secretly desired a story where a prince falls in love with a boy against all odds and finds their happily ever after. I, too, discovered the yearning of my gay brain for this type of story when I stumbled upon it.

Now, let's talk about the steamy scenes. While they aren't excessively graphic, they carry a certain spiciness. I'd say an 18-year-old might blush and get a bit flustered, but that's about it. You'll understand the essence of what's happening in the scene. I mean, you don't need a scientist to figure out what's going on when the prince drops to his knees *wink* It's a display of raw emotion and the intense desire of young love.

In summary, this book is an absolute must-read, especially for your summer escapades. It's a well-crafted story that celebrates authenticity and staying true to oneself. It's pure, uplifting, and boasts a diverse cast of characters! Ah, diversity truly has the power to change the world. If you can capture the overwhelming emotion of witnessing a dozen colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky while people from diverse backgrounds revel in celebration, that's how you'll feel when reading this book.

And plus, there's an upcoming adaptation!