Books like 'Between Perfect and Real'
Readers who enjoyed Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult high-school first-person-pov trans-hero queer
-
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will fall hard for this astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood... -
Given, Vol. 5 by Natsuki Kizu
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThe final round of the music festival tryout is about to begin, but that’s not the only source of tension in the band. Mafuyu, who’s been spending a lot of time at Ugetsu and Akihiko’s place, learns about the complicated history between the two and realizes that Haruki’s heartbreak is part of that romantic tangle... -
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsA young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. Debut novel of renowned slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking... -
Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 6 by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe moment has arrived. Miyano knows. He knows Sasaki likes him. And Miyano has realized...he likes Sasaki back, in a BL romance kind of way. Step one: realization is complete—but step two: confession is much harder than he thought it’d be... -
-
The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 2 by Sumiko Arai
Aya’s found out that the guy she was interested in isn’t a guy at all—and she’s also realized that she just can’t keep her cool around Mitsuki! The two haven’t quite put a name on their complex, earnest feelings, but they only grow as the pair continues to bond over the music they love...Categorized as:
queer high-school f-f contemporary young adult friends to lovers length-short glimpses-kisses -
Given, Vol. 5 by Natsuki Kizu, キヅナツキ
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsLove of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again... -
Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 7 by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNever in his wildest dreams did Miyano ever believe fiction would become reality―that his own life would parallel some of the BL stories he so dearly loves... -
Bloom into You, Vol. 8 by Nakatani Nio
LOVE IN FULL BLOOM After Sayaka confesses to her, Touko must face her own feelings! Just as Yuu begins to lose all hope, Touko asks to meet with her...Categorized as:
high-school queer young adult contemporary f-f secret-relationship length-short open-door -
Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 5 by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSasaki is...Sasaki is what to me? A heated exchange between the two leads to absolutely nothing. Well, Miyano isn’t living in a BL story, so that’s fine, right? Except Miyano feels like he’s going to explode, because he can’t stop thinking about hugging his upperclassman...and taking care of him.. -
Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 9 by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIt’s not quite the same. As Miyano’s senior year passes by and Sasaki starts getting used to college, the strain of not spending every day together begins weighing on Sasaki’s mind. That’s why it’s a welcome relief when he and Miyano finally get a chance to go on a date― spending Sasaki’s birthday with each other for the first time since they got together... -
Bloom into You, Vol. 6 by Nio Nakatani
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsTHE CURTAINS RISE…The student council play has finally begun! Who will Touko’s character choose to be at the end? And how will Touko herself feel when the play is over and her dearest wish has been... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 9 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIn this warmhearted romantic comedy, a mistaken identity leads to a blossoming romance between two boys.Aoki has a crush on Hashimoto, the girl in the seat next to him in class. But he despairs when he borrows her eraser and sees she’s written the name of another boy—Ida—on it... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 8 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. At the end of summer break, Aoki and Ida go watch a fireworks show... -
Bloom into You, Vol. 6 by Nio Nakatani
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsTHE CURTAINS RISE…The student council play has finally begun! Who will Touko’s character choose to be at the end? And how will Touko herself feel when the play is over and her dearest wish has been... -
-
Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 4 by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhat is Sasaki to Miyano? The question rings through Miyano’s mind as he struggles to come to a decision... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 8 by Wataru Hinekure, Aruko
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. At the end of summer break, Aoki and Ida go watch a fireworks show... -
Given, Vol. 4 by Natsuki Kizu, キヅナツキ
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsLove of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again... -
The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 47 ratings*Now an acclaimed live-action Netflix series!* Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. This joyful trip into the LGBTQ+ world of Heartstopper is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the graphic novels or Netflix TV series - from Alice Oseman, bestselling author and winner of the YA Book Prize. Now in full colour for the first time!Praise for 'Absolutely delightful... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 6 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. In order to buy Ida a birthday present, Aoki started working part-time, but now it seems Ida doesn’t want Aoki to spend his hard-earned money on him... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 5 by Wataru Hinekure
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki has a crush on Ida, a boy in his class. Aoki is on cloud nine to be dating Ida, but he’s in trouble when it comes to his grades... -
Boy Like Me by Simon James Green
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn the margins of a book's pages, sparks fly as a teenage romance begins. But in this time and place, sparks like these can only ignite trouble. It's 1994 and thanks to Section 28, there can be no mention of gay relationships in UK schools... -
Bloom Into You Vol. 5 by Nio Nakatani
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThey might be on vacation, but the play is still on everyone's minds. Touko is already starting to worry about what will happen after it's over, and Yuu wants to change the script's ending. Stressing about the play isn't the only thing they're doing, though... -
Bloom Into You Vol. 5 by Nakatani Nio
They might be on vacation, but the play is still on everyone's minds. Touko is already starting to worry about what will happen after it's over, and Yuu wants to change the script's ending. Stressing about the play isn't the only thing they're doing, though... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 6 by Wataru Hinekure, Aruko
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. In order to buy Ida a birthday present, Aoki started working part-time, but now it seems Ida doesn’t want Aoki to spend his hard-earned money on him... -
-
Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 2 by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsDating? Me and Sasaki-senpai…? We’re not like that!At least, those were Miyano’s thoughts until Sasaki gifted him chocolates on Valentine’s Day...Categorized as:
queer high-school contemporary young adult m-m humor friends to lovers length-novella -
Classmates Vol. 1: Dou kyu sei by Asumiko Nakamura
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe touching Boys’ Love story that inspired a hit animated film, in an all-new translation for digital and print.Hikaru always thought his classmate Rihito was kind of a snob, until he stumbles across Rihito secretly practicing a song in an empty classroom. Hikaru agrees to become Rihito’s music tutor, and with each lesson the two boys grow closer... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 7 by Wataru Hinekure
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. Aoki is shaken when he finds out Ida wants to attend college in Kyoto, so they decide to go to an overnight open-campus event together... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 7 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. Aoki is shaken when he finds out Ida wants to attend college in Kyoto, so they decide to go to an overnight open-campus event together... -
Classmates Vol. 1: Dou kyu sei by Asumiko Nakamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsHikaru always thought his classmate Rihito was kind of a snob, until he stumbles across Rihito secretly practicing a song in an empty classroom. Hikaru agrees to become Rihito's music tutor, and with each lesson the two boys grow closer... -
Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei by Asumiko Nakamura
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSHELTER FROM THE COLDThough Rihito’s always been a loner, lately he’s grown close to his classmate, Hikaru. The two of them have even fallen in love and tentatively started dating. But when Rihito’s mother ends up in the hospital, the stress of it all becomes too much for him... -
Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei by Asumiko Nakamura, 中村明日美子
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsSHELTER FROM THE COLDThough Rihito’s always been a loner, lately he’s grown close to his classmate, Hikaru. The two of them have even fallen in love and tentatively started dating. But when Rihito’s mother ends up in the hospital, the stress of it all becomes too much for him... -
Cherry Blossoms After Winter #1 - Boys Love Comic by Bamwoo, 밤우
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 31 ratings<마지막 좀비> 밤우 작가의 청춘 BL!한 지붕아래에서 사는 것도 모자라같은반 동급생까지...?!부모님이 돌아가신 후, 태성의 집에얹혀살게 된 해봄은 고3이 되면서태성과 같은 반이 된 상황이 난처하기만 하다.24시간동안 함께 생활하면서부터태성과 해봄의 사이는 점차 변해가는데…Ever since his parents passed away, Haebom has been living in Taesung’s house. And now, being a 12th grader, he enters the same class as Taesung, which makes the whole situation way more awkward... -
Bloom Into You Vol. 4 by Nio Nakatani
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe script for the student council play is finally finished! To make sure it is a success, the council holds a practice camp during summer vacation. Touko, Sayaka, and Yuu soon find themselves faced with sleeping together in the same room... -
Bloom Into You Vol. 4 by Nio Nakatani
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe script for the student council play is finally finished! To make sure it is a success, the council holds a practice camp during summer vacation. Touko, Sayaka, and Yuu soon find themselves faced with sleeping together in the same room... -
-
Boys Run the Riot, Vol. 1 by Keito Gaku
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsA transgender teen named Ryuu finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a Japanese transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!High schooler Ryuu knows he's transgender. But he doesn't have anyone to confide in about the confusion he feels... -
佐々木と宮野 1 [Sasaki to Miyano 1] by Shou Harusono, 春園ショウ
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsBL展開断固拒否な"男子高生の日常"(Boys Life)コミック!!pixivコミック週間ランキング、女性向け1位獲得!! 女顔がコンプレックスな腐男子の宮野は、校内で起きた喧嘩をきっかけに、先輩で不良の佐々木に気に入られてしまい――。BL展開断固拒否!な男子高生の日常(Boys...Categorized as:
queer high-school contemporary young adult m-m friends to lovers humor length-novella -
Boys Run the Riot, Vol. 2 by Keito Gaku
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAGAINST THE WORLD Ryo and Jin have started their own fashion brand, Boys Run the Riot. Now they just have to get the word out there! But the world of fashion is a cutthroat business of patronizing adults, and the boys will have to get creative—and save some cash—if they want to get their brand off the ground and be taken seriously... -
Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAn emotional tale of identity, sexuality and suicide derived from personal experience about three teenage boys who struggle to come to terms with their homosexuality in a small Western Australian town. On the surface, nerd Zeke, punk Charlie and footy wannabe Hammer look like they have nothing in common... -
Bloom into You, Vol. 3 by Nio Nakatani
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA charming love story about two young women who together discover that their dreams of a heart-pounding romance can indeed come true!Yuu has always loved shoujo manga and fantasizes about the day that she too will get a love confession that will send her heart a-flutter. Yet when a male classmate confesses his feelings for her ... she feels nothing... -
You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy.Valentina “Vale” Castillo-Green’s life revolves around soccer. Her friends, her future, and her father’s intense expectations are all wrapped up in the beautiful game...Categorized as:
high-school queer contemporary young adult f-f sports from hate to love length-medium -
Bloom into You, Vol. 3 by Nakatani Nio
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA charming love story about two young women who together discover that their dreams of a heart-pounding romance can indeed come true!Yuu has always loved shoujo manga and fantasizes about the day that she too will get a love confession that will send her heart a-flutter. Yet when a male classmate confesses his feelings for her ... she feels nothing... -
Waiting for Spring, Vol. 10 by Anashin
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsA sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.IN HOT WATERWith Aya's leg injured, Mitsuki wants nothing more than to see him fully recovered... -
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 4 by Wataru Hinekure
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki confesses his feelings to Ida and prepares for rejection, but in an unexpected turn of events, Ida asks him if they should try dating... -
-
-
Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsFor readers of Girl in Pieces and The Way I Used to Be comes an emotionally gripping story about facing hard truths in the aftermath of sexual assault.Mara and Owen are as close as twins can get, so when Mara’s friend Hannah accuses Owen of rape, Mara doesn't know what to think... -
Love Me for Who I Am, Vol. 2 by Kata Konayama
The Road to Love Is Non-binaryThe more Tetsu gets to know Mogumo, the more he finds himself falling for his non-binary classmate! On top of that, he’s also dealing with the aftermath of an intense encounter with Kotone. Meanwhile, Café Question’s summer campaign prep is in full swing... -
Go For It, Nakamura! by Syundei
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsNakamura has fallen in love-at-first-sight with one of his classmates, Hirose -- but there's a problem: they haven't actually met yet.. -
Fake, Volume 02 by Sanami Matoh
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsRyo and Dee, two of New York City's finest, are called in to investigate the activities of some two-bit street punk. The operation goes south rather quickly when Dee is kidnapped and Ryo must put all of his skill and training to the test to get his partner back in one piece. Their partnership is on the line as electrified emotions raise feelings between the two guys that are hard to ignore... -
Falling For Who by Erica Lee
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMarjorie Madden has it all. She’s been out since middle school, is the most popular person in her grade, and according to her friends could get any girl she wants (even the straight ones).Marjorie isn’t interested in dating, though. All of her focus is on becoming a starter on the varsity basketball team and leading her team to victory... -
Cherry Blossoms After Winter: Volume 1 by Bamwoo
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsDespite growing up together, these childhood friends have grown apart. The fan-favorite boys’ love manhwa turned K-drama comes to print for the first time.Seo Haebom was seven years old when his parents died in an accident. With nowhere else to go, he moves in with the family of his childhood friend Jo Taesung, who suddenly grows cold and distant, destroying their friendship...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.