Gay romance comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

Choosing the right comp titles for your gay romance’s query letter can make or break your changes of being published.

If you’re wondering what the purpose of a comp title is, it’s to allow agents and publishing house editors to quickly gauge the genre and market potential of your book.

I regularly update this list of gay romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn gay romance or something fast and spicy, you’ll find titles below to help you write a killer query letter!

If you’re looking for something a bit more specific, check out my romance comp database.

1. 6 Times We Almost Kissed [and One Time We Did]Author: Tess SharpeYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Mental health, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
2. A Game of Hearts and HeistsAuthor: Ruby RoeYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, fantasy, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
3. A Guy Walks Into My BarAuthor: Lauren BlakelyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
4. A Little Bit CountryAuthor: Brian D. KennedyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Music, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
5. A Taste of Gold and IronAuthor: Alexandra RowlandYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
6. AfterloveAuthor: Tanya ByrneYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, fantasy, gay, lesbian, paranormal, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
7. All That’s Left in the WorldAuthor: Erik J. BrownYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Post-apocalyptic, dystopia, gay, queer, romance, science fiction, series counter, young adult
8. AlwaysAuthor: Loren LeighYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, queer, romance, series counter
9. And They Were RoommatesAuthor: Page PowarsYear published: 2025Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, transgender, young adult
10. Angels Before ManAuthor: Rafael NicolásYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, gay, horror, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
11. Archangel's LightAuthor: Nalini SinghYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, Vampires, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, urban fantasy
12. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the WorldAuthor: Benjamin Alire SáenzYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Coming of age, LGBT, contemporary, gay, historical, queer, romance, young adult
13. As Far As You'll Take MeAuthor: Phil StamperYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Mental health, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
14. BlindsidedAuthor: Becca SteeleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, romance, series counter, sports
15. Blitz'dAuthor: Lee McCormickYear published: 2025Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
16. Boyfriend MaterialAuthor: Alexis HallYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Fake dating, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
17. Bro and the BeastAuthor: L.C. DavisYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, omegaverse, paranormal, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
18. BrothersongAuthor: T.J. KluneYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, Shapeshifters, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, queer, romance, romantasy, urban fantasy
19. Caught StealingAuthor: C.E. RicciYear published: 2023Genre and themes: College, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports
20. Clueless PuckboyAuthor: Eden FinleyYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Hockey, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, sports
21. Dark HeirAuthor: C.S. PacatYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, fantasy, gay, historical, m m romance, queer, romance, romantasy, young adult
22. Date Me, Bryson KellerAuthor: Kevin van WhyeYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
23. Delilah Green Doesn't CareAuthor: Ashley Herring BlakeYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter
24. DyketteAuthor: Jenny Fran DavisYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, lesbian, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
25. EdinAuthor: Lily MayneYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Monster, Post-apocalyptic, adult, dystopia, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
26. EpicAuthor: Sarina BowenYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, novella, romance, series counter, sports
27. Fifteen Hundred Miles from the SunAuthor: Jonny Garza VillaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Coming of age, LGBT, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
28. For the FansAuthor: Nyla K.Year published: 2023Genre and themes: College, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, smut, sports
29. Forget Me NotAuthor: Alyson DerrickYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
30. Girls Like GirlsAuthor: Hayley KiyokoYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Summer, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
31. Golden BoysAuthor: Phil StamperYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Coming of age, LGBT, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
32. Head Above WaterAuthor: C.E. RicciYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Second chance, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
33. Here's to UsAuthor: Becky AlbertalliYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, realistic fiction, romance, young adult
34. Hidden ScarsAuthor: Andi JaxonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, LGBT, adult, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
35. I Think I Love YouAuthor: Auriane DesombreYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
36. If There's a WayAuthor: Jessie WalkerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Found family, Friends to lovers, LGBT, Mental health, Second chance, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance
37. If This Gets OutAuthor: Sophie GonzalesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, LGBT, Music, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
38. Imogen, ObviouslyAuthor: Becky AlbertalliYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Coming of age, LGBT, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
39. Irresponsible PuckboyAuthor: Eden FinleyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, Hockey, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, sports
40. Just a Bit CaptivatedAuthor: Alessandra HazardYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, LGBT, adult, contemporary, crime, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter
41. KingstonAuthor: Leila JamesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, Why choose, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, romance, series counter
42. Kiss & TellAuthor: Adib KhorramYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Music, contemporary, gay, queer, realistic fiction, romance, series counter, young adult
43. Kiss of SmokeAuthor: Amy PennzaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dragons, Shapeshifters, Why choose, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
44. Kiss the VillainAuthor: Rina KentYear published: 2025Genre and themes: BDSM, College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter
45. Less Is LostAuthor: Andrew Sean GreerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Humor, LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, gay, literary fiction, queer, romance
46. Like Real People DoAuthor: E.L. MasseyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports, young adult
47. Lord of Eternal NightAuthor: Ben AldersonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Retellings, Vampires, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
48. Losers: Part IAuthor: Harley LarouxYear published: 2022Genre and themes: BDSM, Dark, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Why choose, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, smut
49. Love, Hate & ClickbaitAuthor: Liz BoweryYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Fake dating, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
50. LukeAuthor: Cora RoseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, transgender
51. Master of MayhemAuthor: Saxon JamesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, queer, romance, series counter
52. Meet Cute DiaryAuthor: Emery LeeYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Fake dating, LGBT, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, series counter, transgender, young adult
53. Melt With YouAuthor: Jennifer DuganYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Summer, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
54. MemorialAuthor: Bryan WashingtonYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, gay, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
55. MothAuthor: Lily MayneYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Monster, Post-apocalyptic, adult, dystopia, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, romance, romantasy
56. Mr. RomanceAuthor: Louisa MastersYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, queer, romance, series counter
57. My Pucking CrushAuthor: Tori ChaseYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Dark, Forced proximity, Hockey, adult, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
58. On GuardAuthor: J.R. GrayYear published: 2024Genre and themes: College, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports
59. Open, HeavenAuthor: Seán HewittYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Coming of age, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, ireland, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
60. Out of the BlueAuthor: Jason JuneYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Mermaids, contemporary, fantasy, gay, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
61. PlayedAuthor: Sadie KincaidYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Billionaire, Dark, Enemies to lovers, Second chance, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
62. Playing GamesAuthor: Riley HartYear published: 2022Genre and themes: College, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, romance, series counter, sports
63. Playing the PalaceAuthor: Paul RudnickYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Royalty, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
64. Poetry On IceAuthor: Jesse H. ReignYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Hockey, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
65. Power Plays & Straight A'sAuthor: Eden FinleyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: College, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, romance, series counter, sports
66. Reaper and RuinAuthor: Elle ThorpeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark, Found family, Serial killer, Why choose, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter
67. RoommateAuthor: Sarina BowenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
68. Roommate ArrangementAuthor: Saxon JamesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Forced proximity, Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
69. SaintAuthor: Sierra SimoneYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, LGBT, Second chance, adult, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, smut
70. Salt KissAuthor: Sierra SimoneYear published: 2023Genre and themes: BDSM, Dark, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, smut
71. Savage RivalsAuthor: Becca SteeleYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, High school, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, queer, romance, series counter, sports
72. SeraphAuthor: Lily MayneYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, LGBT, Monster, Post-apocalyptic, adult, dystopia, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
73. ShiverAuthor: Crea ReitanYear published: 2023Genre and themes: College, Friends to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
74. So This Is Ever AfterAuthor: F.T. LukensYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, fantasy, gay, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
75. Some Girls DoAuthor: Jennifer DuganYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
76. Something FabulousAuthor: Alexis HallYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, gay, historical, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
77. Something to Talk AboutAuthor: Meryl WilsnerYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter
78. SorenAuthor: Grae BryanYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Vampires, adult, contemporary, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
79. Stepbrother DearestAuthor: Willow DixonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
80. Swimming in the DarkAuthor: Tomasz JedrowskiYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, historical, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
81. SwordcrossedAuthor: Freya MarskeYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, fantasy, gay, historical, m m romance, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
82. Tentacles & TriathlonsAuthor: Ashley BennettYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Monster, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
83. The Best MenAuthor: Sarina BowenYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
84. The Charm OffensiveAuthor: Alison CochrunYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Mental health, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
85. The Falling in Love MontageAuthor: Ciara SmythYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, lesbian, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
86. The Feeling of Falling in LoveAuthor: Mason DeaverYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Fake dating, LGBT, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, series counter, transgender, young adult
87. The First to Die at the EndAuthor: Adam SilveraYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, fantasy, gay, queer, romance, romantasy, science fiction, series counter, young adult
88. The Gravity of UsAuthor: Phil StamperYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, realistic fiction, romance, series counter, young adult
89. The Husband HoaxAuthor: Saxon JamesYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Fake dating, Found family, LGBT, Marriage of convenience, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
90. The JockAuthor: Tal BauerYear published: 2021Genre and themes: College, Football, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, queer, romance, series counter, sports
91. The New GuyAuthor: Sarina BowenYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Hockey, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports
92. The Only Light Left BurningAuthor: Erik J. BrownYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Post-apocalyptic, dystopia, gay, queer, romance, science fiction, series counter, young adult
93. The ProspectsAuthor: K.T. HoffmanYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports, transgender
94. The Scottish BoyAuthor: Alex de CampiYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, gay, historical, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
95. The Secret Life of Albert EntwistleAuthor: Matt CainYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, gay, queer, romance, series counter
96. The Step BetAuthor: Riley HartYear published: 2024Genre and themes: College, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, new adult, queer, romance, series counter
97. The Unlikely HeirAuthor: Jax CalderYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, LGBT, Royalty, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter
98. Unhinged TitanAuthor: E.V. OlsenYear published: 2024Genre and themes: College, Dark, Hockey, LGBT, adult, gay, m m romance, romance, sports
99. Vicious QueenAuthor: Jillian FrostYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Mafia, Why choose, adult, crime, fantasy, gay, m m romance, romance, romantasy, smut
100. We Do What We Do in the DarkAuthor: Michelle HartYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, lesbian, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
101. When Haru Was HereAuthor: Dustin ThaoYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, fantasy, gay, magical realism, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
102. Whips and ChainsAuthor: Elle ThorpeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark, Found family, Why choose, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter
103. WrathAuthor: Ella JamesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, romance, series counter, sports
104. You & MeAuthor: Tal BauerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, LGBT, Slow burn, adult, contemporary, gay, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports
105. You Should Be So LuckyAuthor: Cat SebastianYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, gay, historical, m m romance, queer, romance, series counter, sports
106. Young MungoAuthor: Douglas StuartYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, historical, literary fiction, queer, romance, scotland, series counter

Other resources to assist with your querying journey

Comp titles are only a small piece of the querying puzzle! Here are other resources I offer to help writers achieve their dreams of publishing their novels:

• Developmental editing services
• Pre-querying package
• Publishers accepting manuscript submissions this month
• Romance tropes list
• Random romance trope generator

Frequently asked questions

How recent do comp titles need to be?

Comp titles should be published within the past five to seven years so it is representative of the current market potential of your manuscript.

Can I use bestselling books as a comp title?

Yes, you can! However, the bestselling books aren’t always the most suitable options. While it’s integral that a comp title has sold well, it’s better to choose a comp title that’s sold less well but closer represents the tone and overall vibe of your own book.

How many comp titles should I include in my query letter?

You should aim for two comp titles in your query letter. You can include three, but agents would expect more than one.

Can I use a series as a comp title?

You can, but it’s best to pick a specific book within that series that best represents your manuscript.

What if I can’t find a gay romance comp title that fits my book?

You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!”