“I like Charlie Spring! In a romantic way not just a friend way!”
If you fell head over heels with Heartstopper – its tender romance, heartfelt friendships, and beautiful LGBTQ+ representations – you’re not alone. Alice Oseman’s beloved graphic novel series has captivated readers’ hearts with its gentle exploration of love, identity, and growing up. But, once you’ve finished Nick and Charlie’s story, you may find yourself craving more books that offer that same warm, emotional glow. Join us today at What We Reading for the best books like Heartstopper, stories filled with queer love, self-discovery, and the joy of finding your people. From cosy graphic novels to heartfelt YA romances, these Heartstopper book recommendations celebrate the power of connection and authenticity. Whether you’re searching for similar books to Heartstopper or simply want a feel-good LGBTQ+ read, these titles will leave you smiling – a perhaps a little teary-eyed – just like Alice Oseman’s masterpiece.
Check, Please! – Ngozi Ukazu
First up on our list of books like Heartstopper is Ngozi Ukazu’s sweet romance, Check, Please! Eric Bittle is a former Georgia junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and amateur patissier. But, as accomplished as he is, nothing could prepare him for his freshman year of playing hockey at the prestigious Samwell University in Samwell, Massachusetts. It’s not like co-ed club hockey back in the South! For one? There’s checking. Second, there is Jack – his very attractive but moody captain.
Check, Please is a hilarious and heartbreaking confession from a figure skater turned collegiate hockey player who’s terrified of checking… and desperately in love with the captain of his hockey team.
What If It’s Us – 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 romance right when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its own business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.
Yet when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they’re reunited. What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work, whereas Ben doesn’t try hard enough? Perhaps life isn’t really like a Broadway play. Or perhaps it just might be.
You Should See Me In A Crown – Leah Johnson
Liz Lighty has always believe she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obssessed midwestern town. But it’s okay – Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-renowned orchestra, and become a doctor.
But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down. That is, until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events. But she will do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. The only thing that makes the hallway bearable is Mack, the new girl. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Leah. But Mack is also running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams, or make them all come true?
The Summer Of Everything – Julian Winters
Another one of the best YA contemporary romance books like Heartstopper, Julian Winters’ The Summer of Everything introduces readers to Wesley Hudson. Comic book geek Wesley excels at two things: slacking off at his job, and pining after his best friend, Nico. Advice from his friends, alt-rock ‘90s songs and online dating articles aren’t much help with his secret crush.
And his dream job at Once Upon a Page, the local used bookstore, is threatened when a coffeeshop franchise want to buy the property. To top it all off, his annoying brother needs wedding planning advice. When all three problems converge – Wes comes face–to-face with the one thing he’s been avoiding: adulthood. Now, confronted with reality, can Wes balance saving the bookstore and his strained sibling relationship? Can he win the heart of his crush too?
I Kissed Shara Wheeler – Casey McQuiston
Chloe Green is so close to winning. She’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy classmates and a puritaniancal administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her one rival: prom queen Shara Wheeeler. But, a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and disappears.
On a furious hunt for answers, Chloe discovers that she isn’t the only one Shara kissed. There’s also Smith, and Rory. They have nothing in common except Shara and the annoyingly cryptic notes she left behind. Thrown into an unlikely alliance, Chloe soon begins to suspect there might be more to this small town than she thought. And maybe, more to Shara too. Fierce, funny, and frank, I Kissed Shara Wheeler is one of the best books similar to Heartstopper about breaking the rules, getting messy, and finding love in unexpected places.
The Black Flamingo – Dean Atta
Similar to Heartstopper, Dean Atta’s The Black Flamingo is a feel-good story all about identity and expression. The poetic queer read follows a boy coming to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen – then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo.
The Black Flamingo is a bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. It reminds us that sometimes we need to take charge, to stand up wearing peak feathers – to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.
Taproot – Keezy Young
Blue is having a hard time moving on. He’s in love with his best friend. He’s also dead. Thankfully, Hamal can see ghosts, leaving Blue free to haunt him to his heart’s content. But something eerie is happening in town, leaving the local afterlife unsettled, and when Blue realises Hamal’s strange abilities may be putting him in danger, Blue has to find a way to protect him, even if it means… leaving him.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me – Mariko Tamaki And Rosemary Varlero-O’Connell
All Freddy Riley wants is for Laura Dean to stop breaking up with her. The day they got together was the best one of Freddy’s life, but nothing has made sense since. Their on-again, off-again relationship has Freddy’s head spinning – and Freddy’s friends can’t understand why she keeps on going back.
When Freddy consults with the services of a local mystic, the mysterious Seek-Her, she isn’t thrilled with the advice she receives. But something’s got to give: Freddy’s heart is breaking in slow motion, and she might be about to lose everything. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnist Anna Vince, to help her through being a teenager in love. Similar to Heartstopper, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me is a sweet and spirited tale of young love that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.
Bloom – Kevin Panetta
Though he loved working there as a kid, Ari cannot fathom a life wasting away over rising dough and hot ovens. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easy-going guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom… that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.
Writer Kevin Panetta and artist Savanna Ganucheau concoct a delicious recipe of intricately illustrated baking scene and blushing young love, in which the choices we make can have terrible consequences but the people who love us can help us grow.
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).
