First, the connection between the gay characters has to be strong. It should be something that readers can root for. In 'They Both Die at the End', the bond between the two male characters is so pure and full of hope despite the impending doom. Second, the horror has to be more than just jump scares. It should be something that seeps into the bones of the story. For a gay horror romance, it might be the horror of society's rejection of their relationship in addition to the more traditional horror elements like the supernatural. This combination of relationship - centric and horror - centric elements makes a novel the best in this genre.
'Red, White & Royal Blue' is also highly recommended. It's a fun and heartwarming story about the relationship between the First Son of the United States and a Prince of England. It has great character development and a really engaging plot that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The setting can play a big role. A gay romance novel set in a unique or interesting place, like a small European town or a big city during a festival, can add a lot to the story. The plot also matters. It could be a simple love story or one with a lot of twists and turns. For instance, a story about two men from different social classes falling in love can be really engaging. And of course, the writing style. If it's too flowery or too dry, it might not be the 'best gay for you'. A balanced and engaging writing style is what makes a novel stand out.
A really good one is 'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera. It's not a traditional horror novel but has elements of dread and the unknown. The relationship between the two male protagonists is beautiful and heart - wrenching. It's set in a world where you get a call on the day you're going to die. Their journey together, with the looming threat of death, creates a unique blend of romance and a sense of horror about the inevitable.
For beginners, 'Boy Meets Boy' is a great choice. It's set in a town where being gay is completely normal, which is a refreshing take. The story is full of love and friendship, and it's easy to get into. You'll quickly find yourself rooting for the main characters.
The exploration of themes is key. In 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe', themes like identity, family acceptance, and first love are explored in a profound way. This kind of in - depth exploration of important themes elevates a gay romance novel to be among the best.
One great gay werewolf romance novel is 'Howl at the Moon' by TJ Klune. It beautifully weaves the story of a human falling in love with a werewolf, exploring themes of acceptance and self - discovery within the context of a supernatural relationship.
Another one might be 'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall. It's a fun and light - hearted take on gay romance. The characters have great chemistry and the plot has some really cute and humorous moments that make it an enjoyable read for those who like this genre.
Another notable one is 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin. Although not strictly a traditional vampire romance, it has elements of forbidden love and the exploration of identity in a way that can be related to the genre. The story is set in Paris and delves deep into the main character's struggle with his feelings for another man.
Some consider 'Clive Barker's Books of Blood' to be among the best in the genre. Barker often delves into the darker aspects of human nature and relationships, and within his works, there are stories that can be related to gay experiences in a horror context. For example, his exploration of the grotesque and the abnormal can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and experiences of the gay community in a hostile world.