“I like Charlie Spring! In a romantic way not just a friend way!”
Heartstopper is the viral bestselling coming-of-age romance series by Alice Oseman. Initially a webcomic and graphic novel beginning with 2018’s Heartstopper: Volume One, the series received a huge boom in popularity following the release of Netflix’s own adaptation starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor. The story revolves around Charlie Spring, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker and Nick Nelson, a soft-hearted rugby player in the year above. The pair meet at an all-boy’s grammar school and a friendship between them soon blossoms. Charlie quickly falls for the older boy but is convinced he doesn’t have a chance with him. Yet, as he soon discovers, unexpectedly good things can often be found lurking just around the corner. If you loved Oseman’s novels or the Netflix series, join us today at What We Reading as we run through some of our favourite coming-of-age, young adult and queer romance books like Heartstopper!
Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston
First up on our list of books like Heartstopper is Casey McQuiston’s Goodreads Choice Award-winning novel, Red, White & Royal Blue. As the first son, Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince the White House has ever seen. Along with his intrepid sister, he makes for the perfect photo opportunity and campaign strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. But, when the press strike gold with a photo of Alex with his longtime nemesis, Prince Henry, at a royal wedding, Anglo-American relations threaten to sour.
As President Claremont kicks off her bid for reelection, what starts out as a cunning plan to stage a fake friendship between the first son and prince soon leads to both Alex and Henry diving headlong into a secret relationship that could derail both nations. In Red, White & Royal Blue, McQuiston asks readers what is worth sacrificing, how can you do all the good you’re capable of, and, crucially of all, how will history remember you.
Check Out The Best Books Like Red, White & Royal Blue
The Gravity Of Us (The Gravity Of Us #1) – Phil Stamper
As a successful social media journalist with over half a million followers, seventeen-year-old Cal is used to sharing his life with the world. But, when his father is selected for a hotly-discussed NASA mission to Mars, Cal and his family are forced to move themselves from Brooklyn to Houston, and straight into the throes of a media circus.
In amongst the chaos, Cal encounters the introverted and mysterious Leon, another ‘Astrokid’. Much like Charlie in Heartstopper, he finds himself swooning – and fast. As the media storm around the mission intensifies, so does the connection between the two boys. But, when secrets about the mission are brought to light, Cal must find a way of revealing the truth without hurting the ones he cares about the most in Phil Stamper’s YA romance read, The Gravity of Us.
What If It’s Us (What If It’s Us #1) – Becky Albertalli And Adam Silvera
Arthur is only in New York for the summer. But, if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping love story right when you least expect it. Ben believes that the universe needs to stay out of his business. After all, if it had his back, he wouldn’t be trudging down to the post office with a box containing all of his ex-boyfriend’s possessions.
But, when Arthur and Ben cute-meet at that very post office, they are both forced to reckon with what the universe has in store for them. Another one of the most heartwarming coming-of-age stories like Heartstopper, 2018’s What If It’s Us is the first entry in the acclaimed YA series by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera.
If This Gets Out – Sophie Gonzales And Cale Dietrich
Eighteen-year-old Ruben Montez and Zach Knight are two members of the internationally-followed boy band, Saturday. Along with their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, the four are platinum-certified teen heartthrobs on stage and best friends off of it. But, privately, cracks are beginning to show. Their once-easy rapport has begun to strain under the intense pressure of being famous; when Ruben confides in Zach that he’s starting to feel constrained by their management’s pressure to remain in the closet.
On a gruelling tour across Europe, the two of them come to depend on each other more and more. Eventually, their already close friendship evolves into a romance. But, just as they’re ready to come out, tell their fans and live freely, Zach and Ruben realise that they will never have the support of their managers. Like Heartstopper, If This Gets Out follows Ruben and Zach as they struggle to hold tight to one another even as the weight of the world feels against them.
Bloom (Bloom #1) – Kevin Panetta
Though he loved working there when he was younger, Ari cannot imagine a life wasting away over rising dough and hot ovens. But, whilst interviewing his prospective replacements, Ari meets Hector, a laid-back guy who seems to love baking as much as Ari wants to be free of it. As they strike up a connection over batches of bread, love looks like it is ready to blossom. Provided Ari doesn’t ruin things.
One of the most tender graphic novels like Heartstopper for any fans of Alice Oseman, Kevin Panetta and artist Savanna Ganucheau delivers a delicious recipe of baking and blushing young love that demonstrates the ways in which the people who love us can help us grow.
Boyfriend Material (London Calling #1) – Alexis Hall
When Luc O’Donnell finds himself back in the public spotlight in the worst way possible, he is forced to think on his feet if he wants to keep a grip on his floundering reputation. This is where Oliver Blackwood comes in. Effortlessly handsome and incredibly well put together, Oliver is successful, an ethical vegetarian and has never found himself embroiled in a tabloid scandal. Put more simply, he is perfect boyfriend material.
Which is exactly what Luc needs to appear respectable to the world again. But, when their fake relationship starts to feel like something altogether different and all the more real, Luc and Oliver are forced to grapple with whether they’re prepared to fight for the truth of their newfound connection in Alexis Hall’s queer romance read, Boyfriend Material.
She Drives Me Crazy – Kelly Quindlen
After losing horribly to her ex-girlfriend in their first game since their breakup, Scottie Zajac winds up in a fender bender with her high school nemesis, the incredibly beautiful and incredibly cruel, Irene Abraham. Worse still, their mums get involved and force the girls to carpool together until Irene’s car is mended.
But, then an opportunity presents itself for Scottie to get back at her ex and climb the social ladder for good measure. And she bribes Irene to play along with her. What follows are hijinks, heartbreak and a gay fake-dating operation for the ages. Kelly Quindlen’s She Drives Me Crazy is a hilarious queer YA rom-com through the ups and downs of teen romance, perfect for any fans of Heartstopper.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
