LGBT Romance Archives - Roger Hyttinen Author

16 Queer Indie Romance Writers You Should Be Reading

By Roger Hyttinen / September 19, 2025

So, remember a while back when I did that post on 15 Queer Indie Authors (mostly sci-fi and fantasy folks, because, well, you know me—I get a little starry-eyed over spaceships and alternate universes)? A bunch of you messaged me and said, “Hey, that’s cool, but where’s the romance?” Fair point. Romance is basically the beating heart of indie publishing, and I didn’t want to leave all you lovebirds hanging. So here we are—this is my follow-up: 15 queer indie romance writers who deserve space on your e-reader (and maybe in your heart).

And yes, I tried to sprinkle in as many male authors as I could find, since sometimes it feels like gay romance by men gets a little overshadowed. Balance, my friends. Balance.

1. Brandon Witt

Brandon writes heartfelt gay romances that always manage to straddle the line between sweet and gut-punchy. His Rocky Mountain Boys series has small-town vibes with just enough angst to keep you glued.

2. Garrett Leigh

Okay, Leigh is practically indie royalty at this point. They do angst like nobody’s business—moody, wounded guys who somehow still manage to find love in the rubble of their lives. If you want raw, messy, real, Garrett’s your person.

3. Jay Northcote

Jay is like the comfort food of queer indie romance. British settings, warm vibes, and characters you kinda want to hug and then set up on blind dates with your best friend. Solid go-to when you need something cozy but not saccharine.

4. N.R. Walker

A legend in the indie M/M world. From the Red Dirt Heart series to Throwing Hearts, her stories are heartfelt, funny, and full of chemistry. Walker always nails the banter.

5. A.E. Via

If you like your queer romance with a little more heat and a lot of alpha energy, A.E. Via is your ticket. Her Nothing Special series (gay cops, action, romance, explosions—it’s got it all) has a die-hard fanbase for good reason.

6. Riley Hart

Riley has been writing queer romance long enough to know exactly how to twist your heart like a balloon animal. She does angst beautifully but always lands the happily-ever-after. Broken Pieces series, anyone? Yeah. Bring tissues.

7. Keira Andrews

She’s known for her “forbidden love but make it sweet” vibe. Think: stepbrothers, Amish boys, survival romance—you name it. Her books often walk that edge between “oh no, they shouldn’t” and “oh yes, please let them.”

8. Con Riley

Con’s books feel grown up in the best way. They deal with everyday struggles, careers, and messy families. The Learning to Love series is all about emotional connection, and it’s the kind of romance that makes you sigh in a good way.

9. Anyta Sunday

Known as the queen of slow-burn in queer indie romance. Her Signs of Love series pairs astrology with quirky, adorable characters. If you love that delicious “will they/won’t they” tension stretched out just right—she’s your person.

10. Edmond Manning

This guy deserves way more hype. His Lost and Founds series is quirky, deeply emotional, and… kind of magical, honestly. He writes queer love stories that don’t always follow the traditional romance mold but will leave you changed.

11. Suki Fleet

Tender, emotional, sometimes heartbreaking stories about queer kids and young adults finding love in difficult circumstances. Suki’s books lean lyrical—if you like your romance with a touch of poetry, check her out.

12. E. Davies

Davies is known for sweet, contemporary gay romances with lots of chemistry and plenty of series to binge. His Fated Hearts books are a fan favorite, and he’s great at capturing that “real people falling in love” feeling.

13. T.J. Land

If you’re into something a little spicier and funnier, T.J. writes quirky gay romances that don’t take themselves too seriously. Light, witty, and perfect for a palette cleanser when you’re tired of heavy angst.

14. Daryl Banner

Daryl is multi-talented (he also composes music!), but his queer romances are heartfelt and addictive. He’s particularly good at writing nerdy, vulnerable characters who still manage to bring the swoon.

15. Leta Blake

Okay, rounding things out with Leta Blake because her books often take risks and stand out from the crowd. Her Training Season series is one of those cult favorites everyone whispers about in hushed tones of respect.

16. Hayden Hall

Hayden is one of those authors who writes romance that feels like sliding into your favorite hoodie—comfortable, warm, and just the right amount of sexy. His Hearts & Harbor series is addictive small-town romance at its finest. Lots of longing glances, emotional payoff, and that “ugh, I love them together” kind of vibe.

There you go—16 authors to feed your inner romance goblin. Some of them write angsty sagas, some stick with sweet and low-drama stories, and some just bring the heat. But all of them are worth checking out if you’re in the mood for queer love stories that actually feel alive.

If you read the sci-fi/fantasy list and thought, “Nice, but where are the kisses?”—this one’s for you. And if I missed your favorite queer romance author, feel free to yell at me in the comments. (Kindly yell, preferably. We’re still friends here.)

Marek thought moving into a ramshackle old farmhouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula would be a fresh start for him and his partner. Instead, it awakens something far older—something watching. The air carries the scent of cedar, doors open on their own, and a handsome young stranger appears only to vanish into mist.

When Marek follows the ghost’s call, he’s hurled back to 1870—into a world of rough barns, family feuds, and a tragic murder that shattered the farm forever. Caught between centuries, Marek is torn between saving the past and surviving the present, even as his own relationship begins to crack under the strain.

Part ghost story, part love story, and part time-travel thriller, A Touch of Cedar is a haunting tale of betrayal, redemption, and the bonds that tie souls across time.

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Movie-a-Day Challenge: Gameboys: The Movie

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 41. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Remember those long, lonely days of lockdown? Remember the desperate need for connection, for something sweet and fluffy to make us forget the grimness of the world? Well, “Gameboys” the movie is your answer! ✨

This 2021 film, directed by the talented Ivan Andrew Payawal, continues the journey of Cairo and Gavreel, two gamers who find love in the most unexpected place – the online world.

Trust me, it was a bit of a slow start – like molasses in January slow. Like, I was literally checking my phone every five minutes wondering, “When’s the fun gonna start?” But, hang in there, pals, because once this baby picks up speed, it’s a heart-melting ride! 🚀

The plot? Oh, it’s a sweet, sweet pandemic love story – think less doom and gloom, more butterflies and Zoom. We’ve got Cairo and Gavreel, played by the uber-talented Kokoy De Santos and Elijah Canlas. These guys? They’re not just actors; they’re like, emotion wizards. They make you feel all the feels – and I mean ALL of them. 😭💕

The backstory kicks off before the movie in the most 2020 way possible – online gaming and messaging. Cairo, shy and a bit awkward, gets together with Gavreel, who’s like the definition of charming. It’s a digital meet-cute that spiraled into something deeper and the movie starts as they spend time together a few weeks before Cairo returns to his province. And let me tell you, their chemistry? It’s like peanut butter and jelly – perfect together.

But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. The drama kicks in, and it’s like a spicy food challenge – intense but irresistible. The way they navigate their relationship in the midst of a pandemic is just so relatable. And there’s heartbreak, doubt, and even a touch of family drama (okay, more than a touch). But worry not, because amidst the tears, there’s also plenty of laughter, heartwarming moments, and a love story that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Here’s a fun fact for you: Did you know that “Gameboys” started as a web series? Yeah, it’s true! It’s like it leveled up from the internet to the big screen. 🎬🌐You’ll have to check it out if you want to see Gavreel and Cairo’s origin story! (I wish I would have watched it first to see how they met but the film stood fine on its own.)

What I absolutely adored about this movie is how it captures the essence of modern love. It’s not just about the physical; it’s about connecting on a deeper level, even if you’re miles apart. And the ups and downs that these two go through is just so raw and real.

Okay, so yeah, it took a while for the film to really get going, but once it did, it was like a firework display of emotions and drama. And let’s not forget the pandemic setting! The film cleverly uses the limitations of lockdown to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the characters. Oh, and the ending? No spoilers, but let’s just say I was not prepared for the feels.

“Gameboys” is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the power of love in the age of technology. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, connection and happiness are possible. Definitely worth a watch, especially if you’re into stories that are a bit off the beaten path.

Peace out ✌️
Roger