23 Must-Read LGBTQ+ MLM Books You’ll Cherish

Recently updated on July 22nd, 2024 at 11:45 am

Are you searching for the best LGBTQ+ mlm books? These are the 23 absolute best mlm books that you need to get your hands on.

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself. 

Few things make me happier than reading LGBTQ+ Books. Especially mlm books. But  I feel like the same 5 mlm books get recommended over and over again online.  And if you’re anything like  me, then sometimes you like to expand your horizons when shopping for books. As a huge fan of LGBTQ+ books,  I’m recommending 13 mlm books I absolutely loved.

You are going to learn all about the best LGBTQ+ mlm books from graphic novels to ya contemporary books.

There are so many incredible LGBTQ+ books, but for now, here are my absolute favourite mlm books you need to read.

This post is all about LGBTQ+ mlm books

What is an mlm book?

MLM can mean either multi-level marketing or man loves men. As a general rule, when talking about books it normally means Men loving Men. It highlights books with specifically gay male representation.

What are the best mlm books?

1. Running with Lions by Julian Winters

Running with Lions is an underrated sports romance set at a summer camp. It features a bisexual main character and a diverse sports team. It also has an adorable enemies-to-lovers romance. 

This book follows Sebastian Hughes who is going to a summer training camp. And he is a member of an incredible team where he can be open about his sexuality. But Emir, an old best friend who hates his guts, is also at the camp.

I love how this book deals with sexuality in sports!  Not enough books deal explicity with sexuality and diversity within sports. It was so refreshing to read about an accepting football team.

The author is Julian Winters. He started writing because he couldn’t find any books with people like him. Running with Lions won accolades for its positive depictions of diverse, relatable characters. The relationships between the football team are heartwarming. Sebastian’s team is a multi-ethnic group with many different sexual orientations and they almost become a family.

Good reads rating: 3.72

2. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Searching for a summery, beach read? Felix Ever After is the book for you. Felix Ever After is an own voices book featuring a black, queer and transgender main character. It has an excellent revenge plot and friends-to-lovers romance. 

Felix Love has never been in love.  And he is desperate to experience it.

An anonymous student starts sending him transphobic messages. And the student publicly posts Felix’s deadname.  Along with photos of him before his transition.

Felix decides to plot revenge. But his catfishing lands him in a love triangle.

 Kacen Callender wrote Felix Ever After. Callender also won the Stonewall Book Award and Lambda literary award for Hurricane Child. They do a good job at discussing difficult topics such as class disadvantage, transphobia and body dysmorphia. But this is offset with an adorable romance.

Good reads rating: 4.37

3. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper is hyped up a lot but for a good reason! This bestselling graphic novel was adapted into a hit Netflix series. And it features a wholesome friends to lovers romance.

The book series follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Charlie Spring is an openly gay student in year 10.  And he meets Nick Nelson a soft-hearted rugby player in year 11.  They quickly become friends. But could there be something more?

Alice Oseman wrote and illustrated the graphic novel series. She is insanely talented. And she secured her first publishing deal at just 17 years old!

The graphics are stunning!  Seeing the characters faces means you can feel their emotions while reading it. An excellent choice if you’re in a reading slump or just getting back into reading. Graphic novels are lighthearted and easy to read.

Good reads rating: 4.52

 4. Under the whispering door by T.J. Klune

I recommend T J Klune for fantasy newbies. The writing is easy-to-read and while it includes fantasy elements, this book reads as more of a YA Contemporary. The mlm romance is adorable and balanced with an intriguing mystery.

We follow Wallace Price. A reaper comes to collect him from his own funeral. But instead of taking him directly to the afterlife, leads him to a tea shop in a small village.

Hugo runs the teashop but is also the ferryman to souls who need to cross over. But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. 

This book deals with so many heavy topics such as death, grief and loss. But despite such heavy topics this is such a light-hearted, comforting read. T.J. Klune uses laughter,  emotions and romance to it. 

If you’re looking for fantasy books for beginners, you should pick up some of T.J Klune’s work. His writing is fantastic – easy to follow and simplistic with no purple prose.

Good reads rating: 4.26

5. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

A Secret magical society, a mystery and a cute mlm romance. A Marvellous Light has it all! Plus this thrilling mystery also has some serious dark academia vibes. Think old mansions, libraries and research.

We follow Robin Blyth. Due to an administrative error, he is named liaison to a secret magical society. So, he is forced to  contend with magic’s dangers and a deadly curse while he searches for his missing predecessor.

To do this, he’ll need Edwin Courcey. Edwin Courcey is his prickly magical society counterpart but he clearly wishes Robin were anyone else.

I love the secret society of magicians. And the Edwardian setting and mlm romance sets it apart from other books including secret magical societies.

Are you a historical fiction fan? Or a dark academia lover? You’ll love this compelling read about gay men in an Edwardian setting.

Good reads rating: 4.13

6. Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

A magical heist, super sassy banter and the found family trope. Six of Crows is a gripping ya fantasy duology featuring incredible queer representation. Plus it has an adorable mlm romance.

We follow six teenagers living in Ketterdam. Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, is one of the teens. He is offered a deadly heist for a huge payout.

But Kaz will need all help to pull off the impossible heist. So, he assembles five other teens to help him.

From magic and found family to super sassy banter. Six of Crows is a thrilling ya fantasy book. But I also love the LGBTQ+ representation. Jesper is one of the best bisexual characters

Jesper is one of the best bisexual characters I’ve ever read. And the romance between him and Wylan is perfect. You can seriously feel the chemistry sizzling between them when you read it.

Six of Crows is like a fantasy version of Oceans Eleven. Fans of the friendship group in A Court of Mist and Fury will love the sassy banter in this book.

Good reads rating: 4.47

7. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Cycle is an incredible paranormal series featuring a slow burn mlm romance. The series is also filled with beautiful autumnal imagery, making it the perfect fall read.

The Raven Boys follows Blue. Each year in the churchyard, Blue watches her psychic mother see those who are going to die that year. Blue never actually sees them herself. Until this year. When she speaks directly to a boy.

He is called Gansey and is a student at Aglionby school. The students are known locally as Raven Boys.

Raven Boys has such dark academia vibes. Set in a local private school, Gansey is obsessed with researching Welsh mythology. And it even references Latin.

The characters are what make this book. On the surface, it seems like a quirky loner meeting rich boys. But it’s so much more than that! The characters are all fully developed with fleshed-out (and tragic) backstories. The relationships between them are some of the best I’ve read in YA Fiction.

Good Reads Rating: 405

8. Red, White and Royal Blue

Red, White and Royal Blue is one of the most popular books on this list. And you couldn’t write a post on mlm books without including it. But it is popular for a good reason. This compelling new adult romance features a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance.

It follows Prince Henry and Alex Claremont Diaz. They cause a scandal in the press and have to pretend to be friends.

It made the New York Times Bestseller list and won a Good Reads Choice award. Also over 30,000 people have reviewed it on Good Reads.

 This is an empowering queer romance story, set in a parallel universe where a woman with mixed-race children is president. And it has such feel-good vibes. 

The relationships between the characters are what make this book so special. The chemistry between the main characters is excellent. And the banter is hilarious.

Good reads rating: 4.21

9. Fence by C.S Pacat and Johanna the Mad

Looking for a gay graphic novel? Then I recommend Fence. Fence is a comic book series about an illegitmate son of an Olympic champion who joins the fencing team. This lighthearted sports romance series features a diverse cast.

The graphic comic book series follows Nicolas Cox. He’s the illegitimate son to an  Olympic Champion fencer. And he is determined to make it as a fencer. But the fencing world is uber competitive and he’s an outsider. He signs up for a competition. But he’s put head-to-head with a fencing prodigy

I’m obsessed with the characters in this comic book series. They’re insanely likeable. Especially Nicolas. Let me tell you – I was sooo invested in Nicolas making the fencing team. Plus Nicolas and Seiji also have a great potential ‘enemies to lovers’ romance. 

This is so easy to binge read. Graphic novels are very easy to read. But the found family, diverse cast and school setting make this especially binge worthy. If you’re suffering from a reading slump or if you’re a fan of Heartstopper then this would be a great choice.

Good reads rating: 3.98

10. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Mention queer books on social media and Song of Achilles is always recommended. And I was unsure whether to include it for that reason. But, I felt I couldn’t write a post on mlm books without mentioning it. 

Song of Achilles is a Greek Mythology retelling. It focuses on the romance between Achilles and Patroclus. It has one of the most adorable but also the most heartbreaking mlm romances.

The book follows Achilles and Patroclus. Achilles is handsome, strong and irristable to all who meet him. While Patroclus is an awkward young prince exiled from his homeland.

They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine. But they discover that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. All the heroes are called upon to lay siege to Troy. Achilles joins their cause. And Patroclus follows. But the years that follow will test everything.

Song of Achilles has had almost 700,000 thousand reviews on Good Reads. And it’s still rated 4.4 stars. The ending is will devastate you. Even if you know Greek mythology and what’s going to happen.   Madeline Miller depicts a passionate romance between Achilles and Patroclus. The beautiful writing will make you sob like a child.

Good Reads Rating:  4.4 stars

11. Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

Looking for mlm fantasy books? Then you’ll love Silver in the Wood. This fantasy book is set in a magical forest. And it has an adorable grumpy/sunshine romance.  

It follows Tobias who is a forest guardian. He is tasked to look after the forest. One day Henry Silver moves into Greenhollow Hall and everything changes. Silver starts to dig up old secrets that are best left forgotten. Plus they have an adorable mlm romance.

If you like the cottagecore aesthetic then you’ll enjoy this book. The whimsical forest imagery makes you want to live in a cottage in the woods

This is also such a short and easy read. I listened to the audiobook. And the whole duology is only 5 hours. So you can easily binge-read this in one setting. If you have a long journey this would also be the perfect audiobook to listen to because you can finish it in 5 hours. You can listen to the audiobook on Audible 

Good reads routine: 4.02

12. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

Black Flamingo is coming of age story about a mixed-race, gay teenager finding his identity and the power of drag. Written in beautiful verse, this powerful story is about embracing your uniqueness.

We follow Michael a British boy of Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican descent. And he  is trying to come to terms with his identify as a mixed-race gay teen. Then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist Black Flamingo.

Before reading Black Flamingo my experience reading poetry was limited. If you’re looking to read more poetry then this would be an excellent starting point. Dean Atta has a way of writing poetry that just compels you  to keep listening.

This is a light read. But at the same time it touches on so many truths. It particularly explores Blackness, Queerness and gender. Many parts had me tearing up. But I particularly enjoyed the following:

“Don’t.Don’t come out unless you want to. Don’t come out for anyone else’s sake. Don’t come out because you think society expects you to.Come out for yourself.”

Good reads routine: 4.41

13. The Backstagers by James Tynion IV and Rian Sigh

Okay, this is such a wholesome LGBTQ+ graphic novel. Heartstopper fans will enjoy this cute graphic novel featuring a mlm romance and the found family trope.

We followJory. He transfers to an all-boys private high school. But at first he’s not happy at the school. Until he’s taken in by the only ones who don’t treat him like a new kid –  the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. 

The backstagers are a group of students who help backstage at plays. He makes great, lifetime friends. But he is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. 

This light-hearted story features adorable graphics, making it an easy read. The romance is insta-lovely but the wholesome characters make up for it. This is the perfect length for a morning commute.

Good Reads Rating: 3.95

14. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

This fantasy graphic novel is perfect if you’re in a reading slump. The adorable mlm fantasy graphic novel features dragons, shape-shifters and brilliant characters.

We follow Nimona and Lord Ballister Blackheart. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter who becomes a sidekick to Lord Blackheart. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. Their mission is to prove that Sir Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

The storyline kept me hooked and I binge-read this in one sitting. The plot is action-packed and full of twists. The humour was excellent. And the banter between the characters is hilarious.

If you enjoy reading books about villains or morally grey characters then you need to pick this up. Nimona is so delightfully evil in such a charming way.  The artwork is beautiful and makes this easy to read in one sitting.

Graphic novels are easy to read and you can often binge-read them in one sitting. The graphics make reading them a completely different format. If you’re looking for more lgbtq+ graphic novels then I have a whole book list for you. You can check out my article on lgbtq graphic novels here. 

15. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Searching for mlm books? I recommend Aiden Thomas. He writes incredible fantasy books with heartwarming romance. Cemetery Boys features a cute romance, a transgender main character and Latinx representation.

We follow Yadriel, his traditional Latine family has problems accepting his true gender.

Yadriel is determined to prove himself. So he performs a ritual to become a Brujo. He performs a ritual. And then he sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin.

But he actually summons Julian Diaz. The school’s resident bad boy. And he won’t go quietly. But the longer Julian stays, the less Yadriel wants him to leave.

This book is a unique great mix of mystery and magic. The mystery initially sells the book. But the characters sell this book.

16. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Are you a fan of The Hunger Games? Did you grow up reading the Percy Jackson series? Then you need to read the Sunbearer Trials. This gay fantasy features trials, Mexican mythology and a transgender main character.

Sunbearer trials is set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. And they had children – the semidioses. 

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. 

The winner will carry light to all the temples of Reino del Sol. The loser is sacrificed to Sol. And their body is used to fuel the sun stones.

Teo is a Jade Semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal  – the goddess of birds.   As a Jade, he’s unlikely to be chosen. 

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses who isn’t a Gold. Teo must compete against semidióses who have spent their life training for the sunbearer trials.

This book is perfect for fans of ‘will they, won’t they romance’. The slow-burn romance constantly leaves you guessing. this was paired with trials, a thrilling mystery and a fast-paced plot. Likewise, the easy-to-read writing style makes this an addictive read.

17. Prince of the Sorrows by Kellen Graves

This fantasy duology showcases an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, blending fae elements with an academic setting. A new adult romance, the genre is akin to YA but tailored for a more mature audience.

We follow Saffron. Without an academic endorsement, Saffron will be sent back to the human world. The place he was traded from as a changeling-baby, and a place he is terrified of. The problem is, Saffron is self-taught using stolen books.

But, mistaken identity leads Saffron to learning the true name of self-centred high-fey Prince Cylvan. And what begins as a risk of losing his life (or his tongue) becomes an opportunity to earn the future he wants.

In exchange for an endorsement, he and Cylvan form a geis where Saffron agrees to find a spell to strip power from Cylvan’s true name. While Prince Cylvan doesn’t know Saffron can barely read, Saffron is determined to meet his end of the deal to remain in Alfidel—or, maybe, just to remain by Cylvan’s side.

This gripping duology pairs fae romance with dark academia. Likewise, mythology woven into the novel was captivating. A unique combination making it an enticing read.

Buy on Amazon |

18. A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

Are you a fan of historical fantasy romance? Then you’ll love this historical romantasy. It features a beautifully written, slow-burn romance combined with mystery, political intrigue, and magic to create a spellbinding novel.

We follow Velasin vin Aaron, he never planned to marry. But he is due to marry a girl from neighbouring Tihetha for a diplomatic union. The problem is a confrontation reveals his preference for men. And his family is ready to disown him.

But the Tithenai envoy has different plans. For Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.

Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.

With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love―as both will learn―is quite another.

This story is full of court drama, political intrigue, and assassination plots. The worldbuilding is stunning but doesn’t feel overwhelming. The characters are exceptional with fully fleshed-out backstories. An addictive LGBTQ+ fantasy book for adults.

Buy on Amazon 

 19. White Trash Warlock by David R Slayton

We follow Adam Binder. He hasn’t spoken to his brother in years. Not since Bobby had him committed to a psych ward for hearing voices. When a murderous spirit possesses Bobby’s wife and disrupts the perfect life he’s built away from Oklahoma, he’s forced to ask for his little brother’s help.

From the title of this novel, I expected a hilarious and lighthearted romcom. So the darker themes of this urban fantasy surprised me. But with unique worldbuilding, romance and dual povs – this is well worth picking up.

Adam is happy to escape the trailer park and get the chance to say I told you so, but he arrives in Denver to find the local magicians dead.

It isn’t long before Adam is the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, he’ll have to risk bargaining with powers he’d rather avoid, including his first love, the elf who broke his heart.

This thrilling fantasy read doesn’t shy away from complex themes such as family grievances, poverty and mental health issues. But this is balanced with adorable mlm romance.

Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |

20. King of Immortal Tithe by Ben Alderson

Looking for adult fae romance? Then you need to read King of Immortal Tithe. Ben Alderson crafts excellent fantasy books, and this one is a spicy reimagining of the Hades and Persephone tale. Although it’s the second in a series, it can also be enjoyed as a standalone.

Human, Arlo Grey will do anything to find off the sickness longing to destroy him, to protect his sister and uphold the promise made to his parents. Especially if dangers come in the form of elves from a realm beyond that of the human world.

Faenir Evelina is an elf scorned for the murder of his family. Forced by the bitter Queen to partake in the Choosing, he discovers a single person who can resist the deadly grace of his touch.

It has been many years since the vampiric disease spread wildly across Darkmourn, making humans a rarity. And protection from the undead comes at a cost, one that Arlo is forced to pay when he is stolen by the Prince of Death.

This is an enthralling fantasy and a brilliant retelling. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and forced proximity. And this was no exception. The characterisation is incredible. And the slow-burn romance and yearning is incredible.

Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |

21. The Orc Prince Trilogy by Lionel Hart

A steamy romantasy centered on an arranged marriage. This series is perfect if you’re looking for an MLM fantasy romance that emphasizes the romance. The plot is straightforward, but the content is spicy.

We follow Prince Taegan Glynzeiros and Zorvut the Relentless. Prince Taegan Glynzeiros has prepared since childhood to fight and lead armies against invading orc forces, the enemies of elves. But a successful peace treaty means the elven prince won’t be fighting orcs, but marrying one.

The first words they speak to each other are their wedding vows. Despite being considered the runt amongst the orc warlord’s children, Taegan finds Zorvut to be surprisingly intelligent and thoughtful—everything the stereotypes about orcs say he shouldn’t be. He doesn’t want to fall in love, but Zorvut’s gentle soul makes it difficult to resist. 

If you’re searching for a mystery and plot twists, then this isn’t the book for you. The plot is simple and a tad predictable. But the romance makes this worth picking up.

Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |

22. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

The Starless Sea is a magical love story set in a secret underground world – a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.

We follow graduate student Zachary Ezra Rawlins as he discovers a mysterious book with a story from his childhood. Bewildered, he uncovers a series of clues leading to a masquerade party, a secret club and a doorway to an ancient library hidden below the surface of the Earth.

But Zachary finds more than just books, it is a place of lost cities and seas. Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose—in both the mysterious book and in his own life.

Erin Morgenstern writes the most astonishingly beautiful fantasy worlds. Worlds you can lose yourself in for hours, even if the pace of the story is slow. The beautiful short stories woven into the plot make this an intoxicating read.

Buy on Amazon | Waterstones |

23. So this is ever after by F.T. Lukens

Are you a fan of the tv series, Merlin? But did you want Merlin and Arthur to become a couple? Then you need to read this book.

We follow Arek, he’s completed the prophecy to save the Kingdom of Ere from an evil King. But now he is at a loss for what to do next. Now Arek is stuck as king, a role that comes with a magical catch: choose a spouse by your eighteenth birthday, or wither away into nothing.

As a temporary safeguard, Arek’s best friend and mage, Matt, convinces him to assume the throne until the true heir can be rescued from her tower. Except that she’s dead.

With his eighteenth birthday only three months away, and only Matt in on the secret, Arek embarks on a desperate bid to find a spouse to save his life.

This is a hilarious read. And I need more fantasy romcoms in my life. This is full of my favourite romcom tropes. From forced proximity and untimely love potions to mutual pining. This was such a fun read.

Buy on Amazon 

This post was all about mlm books to read

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