The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue is now streaming, and we can’t wait to watch it! If you’re seeking more unputdownable love stories from books like Red, White & Royal Blue, here are 6 queer YA novels to add to your TBR immediately.
The Borrow a Boyfriend Club by Page Powars
In an attempt to prove to classmates that he’s the “perfect boy,” trans teen Noah Byrd tries to join the school’s secretive Borrow a Boyfriend Club in which members agree to rent themselves out for dates. His interview is a failure, but he manages to strike a deal with the club’s very attractive president, Asher: he’ll help them win the annual talent show and, in exchange, will earn a second shot at proving his boyfriend skills . . . including a chance to romance Asher. Described by bestselling author Becky Albertalli as “charmingly chaotic,” this witty, heartfelt queer love story echoes the enemies-to-lovers tension found in Red, White & Royal Blue in all the very best ways.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
If you’re a huge fan of books (and shows and movies) like Crazy Rich Asians and the Heartstopper series, you’re sure to enjoy this seamlessly crafted rom-com about an aspiring chef whose life turns extra complicated when he starts fake-dating a handsome new customer. Dylan Tang wants to win the Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake-making competition in honor of his mother, all the while bringing some much-needed publicity to his aunt’s struggling Chinese takeout restaurant. Along comes handsome wealthy boy Theo Somers, who invites him to be his fake date on a family trip to the Hamptons. Theo and his glittering rich person world are a welcome distraction but a distraction nonetheless as Dylan begins to fall for him for real. If Dylan doesn’t get it together, it may be a recipe for disaster as the competition looms closer.
Ryan and Avery by David Levithan
If you read David Levithan’s beloved book Two Boys Missing, you absolutely must check out this companion novel which non-linearly chronicles ten dates between teens Ryan and Avery. In this quick but intense and emotionally charged read about the all-encompassing brilliance of first love, both boys must slowly but surely overcome their fears over being judged and how the world might respond to their budding relationship, even with all the anxieties and awkwardness that comes with it.
Caught in a Bad Fauxmance by Elle Gonzalez Rose
In this fresh, hilarious, and endlessly fun contemporary debut from Elle Gonzalez Rose, aspiring artist Devin Báez is recovering from a stressful first semester of art school by spending winter break at his family’s Florida cabin. The place is falling apart, everything there reminds him of his late mom, plus the neighbors (and family rivals, the the Seo-Cookes) are a nuisance . . . especially Julian, their irritatingly handsome son. When Julian recruits Devin to fake date him in exchange for use of Julian’s luxurious vacation home to work on his craft, Devin takes advantage of the chance to gain intel on his family’s longtime rivals, the undefeated champions of the lake’s annual winter games. But this faux love starts to feel all too real for Devin, even if he and Julian’s families are at war.
Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
Observant, fresh, and brimming with queer joy, this delightful YA rom-com follows Mahalia Harris who dreams of having a big Sweet Sixteen (and for new girl Siobhan to like her back). Her family can’t afford a massive birthday bash, so Mahalia gets an even better idea: throw herself the coming-out party of her wildest dreams. She feels like she’s up against impossible odds, what with mountains of bills, unfinished schoolwork, and tons of day-to-day drama, but Mahalia is determined to save up, celebrate her queerness, and, hopefully, get the girl in the process.
I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
Much like the main characters in Red, White & Royal Blue, Emma and Sophia start out as rivals and serious annoyances to each other before falling head over heels in love in this fabulous queer retelling of Much Ado About Nothing. Both girls are competing for a first-prize trip to one of the best film festivals in Los Angeles. Their mission is to create a movie that will blow the minds of the judges and audience, but there can only be one winner. If you love a rom-com filled with ambitious, headstrong leads and a quirky ensemble cast, this is the book for you.
