Books like 'The Great Believers'
Readers who enjoyed The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary queer 20th century
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Tired Tired Sea by MediaWhore
As a B&B owner on the most remote of all the British Isles, Louis Tomlinson is used to spending the coldest half of the year in complete isolation, with his dog and the sea as sole companions. Until, one day, a mysterious stranger on a quest to rebuild himself rents a room for the winter. -
Therapy Game, Vol. 2 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Shizuma finds out about Minato’s plan—and subsequent wager—to seduce and then dump him. But when he rushes to Minato's apartment, an unknown man opens the door! Meanwhile, Minato is stuck wavering between his ever-deepening feelings for Shizuma and his deep-seated fear of falling in love. Can these two overcome misunderstandings and suspicion, or are there simply too many obstacles? -
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The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, Ann Goldstein
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn one volume, the New York Times–bestselling epic about hardship and female friendship in postwar Naples that has sold over five million copies. Beginning with My Brilliant Friend, the four Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante follow Elena and Lila, from their rough-edged upbringing in Naples, Italy, not long after WWII, through the many stages of their lives—and along paths that diverge wildly... -
The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsSpanning four generations, The Midnight Rose sweeps from the glittering palaces of the great maharajas of India to the majestic stately homes of England, following the extraordinary life of a remarkable girl, Anahita Chaval, from 1911 to the present day . . -
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Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsMiyagi finally gets over his obsession with his late high school teacher by confessing his love for Shinobu in front of her grave. When it comes time for Shinobu to choose which college to go to, his feelings seem to be swaying his decisions too strongly - even for Miyagi's liking. In the end, Shinobu chooses a different college, but the compromise is that he's now living next door to Miyagi! -
The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn inspiring, uplifting story of love and loss, courage and adventure, from the bestselling author of The Skylark’s Secret. 1927. Violet Mackenzie-Grant is embarking on her dream of studying at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women... -
Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIt's the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember. .. It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby... -
The Storyteller of Casablanca by Fiona Valpy
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn this evocative tale from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, a strange new city offers a young girl hope. Can it also offer a lost soul a second chance? Morocco, 1941. With France having fallen to Nazi occupation, twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca, where they await safe passage to America... -
She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat, Vol. 4 by Sakaomi Yuzaki
Kasuga has realized she’s in love with Nomoto―and after the blast they had at their curry party, the two grow closer than ever! With Valentine’s Day approaching, Nomoto bakes up a storm and Kasuga hits the shops as they prepare the perfect treats to give each other, and they both turn to a friend for advice on expressing their feelings... -
Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIt's the day of the award ceremony for Usami, but Usami's older brother, Haruhiko, can't keep his hands off Misaki. First an endless shipment of strawberries, then a "kidnapping" as Haruhiko drags Misaki off to his rich estate and locks him up! Meanwhile, a dramatic misunderstanding spooks Shinobu into leaving for Australia. Will Miyagi let him get away? -
Awaiting by Nicole Pyland
This is book #4 in the Royalty Series. Alexandria – or Alex, as she preferred to be called – would one day be the next Queen of the United Kingdom. She would also be the first out lesbian who would take that title... -
Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 1 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsSparks continue to fly in this Therapy Game sequel where Shizuma and Minato learn to navigate commitment—in both work and love! From a forgotten one-night stand to a plan for revenge, Shizuma and Minato have been through it all. But now that they’re officially a couple, new challenges await, and their fledgling relationship must learn to soar! Shizuma and Minato are officially a couple... -
Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo
Computer science major Chu Sangwoo is the epitome of an inflexible and strict rule-abiding person. While working on a liberal arts group project with freeloaders who don’t put in any effort, Sangwoo reasonably decides to remove their names from the final presentation. But he didn’t imagine how involved he would become with the person whose study-abroad plans were messed up because of that project... -
The Flight Risk by Macon Leigh
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThings are going great for Baylee Lawrence. Her writing has won awards, been adapted into an outrageously successful movie, and she’s just achieved her childhood dream of selling out a storytelling show at the Ryman. It’s incredible. Her life is perfect—a series of grand adventures. She has no intention of changing anything... -
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Someone Like You by Monica Walters, Latisha Burns
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsYou’re strong… You’re resilient… You’re an overcomer. Nesha Henderson knows what it means to fight through adversity and the horrible effects of abuse. She chooses to be an overcomer and not let her past define her. After years of struggling with her sexuality, she’s in a place of contentment with herself. However, love has seemed to escape her grasp every chance it gets... -
Until I Meet My Husband by Yoshi Tsukizuki, Ryousuke Nanasaki
The memoir of gay activist Ryousuke Nanasaki and the first religiously recognized same-sex marriage in Japan. From school crushes to awkward dating sites to finding a community, this collection of stories recounts the author’s “firsts” as a young gay man searching for love... -
Junjo Romantica, Volume 11 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsMisaki just can't catch a break when it comes to the Usami family. Just when he thinks he escaped one mess, he falls right into another one. Will Akihiko be able to rescue him when their relationship is on the line? -
The Orphans of Berlin: The BRAND NEW heartbreaking World War 2 historical novel by Jina Bacarr for 2022 by Jina Bacarr
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratings'A moving novel of strength and resistance in the face of evil but also an inspiring journey of resilience after loss. ' Erin Litteken, bestselling author of The Memory Keeper of Kyiv. A heartbreaking World War 2 novel that tells the story of two women’s fight for love, family and hope, as the world crumbles around them... -
Structure of Love by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGage has a blueprint for his life all mapped out. First, straighten out his little brother so Gage can finally stop being pseudo father to him. Second, expand the company to have permanent crews. Third, avoid any more hookup dates–he wants all or nothing. The very sexy, tatted bar owner that slides into his life? Not part of the plan... -
Censored Soul by Anne Malcom
I give myself to strangers. When I'm on stage, and when I'm off it. Whether it's throngs of screaming fans or just one man, it's always outsiders. People who don't know me. Not the real me. It's easier, because then it's not so obvious that there is no real me. Just layers of lies. Then I'm peeled back to the nerve. Showing the world my ugly. Everyone sees me for what I am... -
The Echoes of Her Silence by Skye Von Triessen
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTo the world, Dominique Fournier is the picture-perfect married to a powerful man, draped in wealth, and living a life most would envy. But behind closed doors, her world is anything but golden. Trapped in a loveless, suffocating marriage, each day is a carefully concealed nightmare—until the one person she never expects comes to her rescue... -
The Lilac People by Milo Todd
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsFinalist for the New England Book Award. "Reminiscent of Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See . . . Heart-stopping in its suspense and dramatic reveals. " —The Boston Globe. A moving and deeply humane story about a trans man who must relinquish the freedoms of prewar Berlin to survive first the Nazis then the Allies, all while protecting the ones he loves... -
Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAn aspiring photographer follows her dreams and faces her fears in a poignant novel about finding beauty, promise, and love amid the chaos of war-torn Kurdistan. It’s 1979. Olivia Murray, a secretary at a Los Angeles newspaper, is determined to become a photojournalist and make a difference with her work... -
The History of Sound: Stories by Ben Shattuck
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA stunning collection of interconnected stories set in New England, exploring how the past is often misunderstood and how history, family, heartache, and desire can echo over centuries. In twelve luminous stories set across three centuries, The History of Sound examines the unexpected ways the past returns to us and how love and loss are entwined and transformed over generations... -
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The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future? Masamune Takano is the boss—and first love—of rookie shojo manga editor Ritsu Onodera... -
Ruin Me by Ariana Nash
After events in Venezuela, Father Francis Scott’s soul is beyond saving. If he’s damned, then he’s going to drag those who deserve it to Hell with him, starting with the men behind the horrible events of Stanmore Boys home. But as Francis searches for answers, it soon becomes clear some secrets will fight to stay dead. If Francis doesn’t stop stirring up old ghosts, he’ll be among them... -
Under a Greek Moon by Carol Kirkwood
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation’s best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood. ‘Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion. A real page turner! ’ Jo Thomas‘Utterly engaging, deliciously escapist, with a heart as warm as its author's’ Cathy Kelly, bestselling author of The Family GiftOne woman returns to the island that changed her life forever... -
The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA captivating novel of love, art, food, desire and thwarted ambition, which builds propulsively over one scorching French summer in 1920s Provence. During a scorching summer in 1920s Provence, a young journalist, Joseph Adelaide, turns up at the farmhouse of reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe, hoping to write an article about him... -
Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 2 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSparks continue to fly in this Therapy Game sequel where Shizuma and Minato learn to navigate commitment—in both work and love! From a forgotten one-night stand to a plan for revenge, Shizuma and Minato have been through it all... -
The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsInspired by heartrending real events, a mother fights to find her son and a child battles for survival in this riveting debut novel. For readers of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, The Letter by Kathryn Hughes, and Remember Me by Lesley Pearse. A woman is found wandering injured in London after an air raid. She remembers nothing of who she is... -
Red Dirt Heart Imago by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Charlie Sutton’s neighbour Greg is notified by the Queensland government that they intend to run a pipeline through his property, Charlie vows to help him fight it. Then Travis remembers seeing butterflies at the creek near their joining fence line - the same butterflies they couldn’t find in any Australian butterfly book... -
Secret XXX by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Shohei’s just trying to find love in a pet shop, so why are all these bunnies making it so difficult? Shohei loves bunnies! He loves them so much he’s even taken to volunteering at a local pet shop... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3: The Case of Ritsu Onodera (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future? -
Jonty's Halloween by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJonty and Devan’s Big Adventure travelling around the world is cut short when Devan’s mother falls ill, and they have to fly home. Leaving Jonty to his own devices is never a good idea and before Devan can say no, Jonty has talked his way into hosting a Halloween extravaganza at The Dunes hotel... -
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The Sunrise Sisterhood by Cathy Bramley
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThree generations of women, and the summer that saved them. The holidays are here, and in Salcombe, Liz longs for the arrival of her god-daughters, Skye and Clare and Clare's daughter baby Ivy. After years on her own, she needs help to save the catering business she built with Clare's late mother, Jen... -
Salad Days (Manhua) by Jing ShuiBian, Tang LiuZang
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis is the story between a young innocent ballet boy and a passionate, determined boxing boy. The two met at the children's palace, and since then, they have grown up together supporting each other. May there be hardships, may there be obstacles, yet they never stopped pursuing their dreams. The beauty of the salad days is the sweat from the hard work and the bonding of friendship... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsFor years, Mitford's sixtysomething rector has been happily married to his parish. Now he's also married to Cynthia, his vivacious next-door neighbor. For Father Tim, life in Mitford has never been so full of surprises. His wife is "aging" his already ancient kitchen walls, not to mention burning his draperies. The mountain boy he's learned to love as his own makes a heartrending decision... -
The Devil Be Damned by Ali Vali
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsCain Casey is close to getting everything she wants. Her partner Emma is pregnant with their third child, her children are safe and happy, and her business is still thriving despite the FBI’s vendetta. Life is perfect on the surface, but it’s the underbelly that worries her... -
Honor Guards by Radclyffe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen you're the president's daughter and the closest thing the country has to a first lady, your life is never really your own. When you're the woman charged to guard the first daughter, and you also happen to be her lover, every moment of every day is filled with challenges—and a mistake could cost you everything... -
28 Barbary Lane by Armistead Maupin
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsArmistead Maupin's uproarious and moving Tales of the City novels—the first three of which are collected in this omnibus volume—have earned a unique niche in American literature and are considered indelible documents of cultural change from the seventies through the first two decades of the new millennium. “These novels are as difficult to put down as a dish of pistachios...Categorized as:
queer 20th century humor contemporary mystery historical length-epic first-in-series -
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHave you met the Nice Guys? Available for a limited time! Here's your chance to get the complete Nice Guys collection with an additional 30,000 words of bonus material for the low price of $2. 99 for fourteen days only. Don't miss out on this special pricing! Double Full:... -
Somebody to Hold by April Wilson
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn this second installment in the Tyler Jamison and Ian Alexander romantic suspense series, Tyler and Ian face their greatest challenge yet. Homicide detective Tyler Jamison is facing the unthinkable -- a prison sentence for beating the man who assaulted Ian... -
The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. by Jaime Hernández
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe 25th anniversary Love and Rockets celebration continues with. this, the second of three volumes collecting the adventures of the. spunky Maggie; her annoying, pixie-ish best friend and sometime lover. Hopey; and their circle of friends, including their bombshell friend. Penny Century, Maggie's weirdo mentor Izzy—as well as the aging but... -
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Fix It Up by Mary Calmes
How will a man who doesn’t believe in fairy tales ever hope to recognize when he’s found the love of a lifetime? Locryn Barnes knows what it means to be a fixer for Torus Intercession... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 3 by Niyama
Shin and Seiji have been living together in domestic bliss for over a year, but Seiji’s upcoming birthday is the first time Shin will get to celebrate with him... -
Admiring His Omega: Hobson Hills Omegas: Book Twelve by C.W. Gray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome back to Hobson Hills! Cain Benson should be happy with his life. He is a prominent lawyer, well respected in Atlanta's elite society. Several very admirable omegas line up to date him. Well, until they know him. Then they call him a cold workaholic. With the one man he is interested in already taken, Cain decides to move closer to his family in Hobson Hills... -
Structure of Love by AJ Sherwood
Gage has a blueprint for his life all mapped out. First, straighten out his little brother so Gage can finally stop being pseudo father to him. Second, expand the company to have permanent crews. Third, avoid any more hookup dates–he wants all or nothing. The very sexy, tatted bar owner that slides into his life? Not part of the plan... -
Chances Are...: An Age-Gap, Slow-Burn, Steamy WLW Romance by Claire Highton-Stevenson
Chances are…love finds you when you finally stop running from yourself. Allegra Mann has always known who she is — a fierce defender on the pitch, a loyal friend off it, and someone who never backs down from a challenge. But when her long-term boyfriend moves abroad, she’s left questioning everything, including who she might be without the life she’d built around him... -
The Devil's Orchard by Ali Vali
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn book five of the Casey Family series, Cain and Emma are planning a wedding before the birth of their third child. Cain has done everything possible to protect her family and get their lives back to normal. Cain is strengthening her partnership with the Jatibons and Carlotti families, as well as trying to help her cousin Muriel heal from FBI agent Shelby Phillips’s betrayal...
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