My love of GFY (gay for you) romance is a guilty pleasure. The spectrum of GFY can run from straight-and-gay-only-for-you, to has-been-in-denial, to closeted, but the key is that at least one MC resists the relationship due to his sexual identity and has never been with a man before. Good sexual tension is all about resisting temptation, and GFY is just one good reason why a man would resist. Here are my favorite reads in this category this year.
Books with Gay-For-You / Gay Virgin Themes
The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes – Straight guy Dylan pretends to be the boyfriend of gay Alec so Alec can show-up his obnoxious ex.
A Betting Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion – A man makes a bet to get the ‘next person who walks in the door’ to fall in love with him. Of course, it happens to be a male which is a challenge since the betting man is straight.
Edward Unconditionally by Lynn Lorenz – A flamboyant young gay man is stopped for speeding by a straight sheriff—or at least one very much in denial. They’re both stuck in the same small town and desire overcomes prudence. This series has paranormal elements.
Handyman by Claire Thompson – Gay stockbroker hires an older, widowed handyman to fix up his new house. Major sexual attraction follows, much to the surprise of the widower.
My Cowboy Heart by Z.A. Maxfield – A gorgeous young cowboy stirs up all kinds of feelings when he starts working on a ranch with three older men. Just gorgeous writing and dialogue.
My Hero by Max Vos – A gay diver and a straight football player form a friendship that blossoms into love after the football player saves the diver’s life.
Taboo for You by Anyta Sunday – (also kids) – A friends-to-lovers story about two neighbors. Sam is raising a son alone (and is straight) and Luke is a closeted gay man who is in secretly love with Sam. When Sam makes a bucket list and taboo sex is on it, Luke sees his chance to test the waters. Sexy and sweet.
Where the Allegheny Meets the Monongahela by Felicia Watson – A social worker who works with women who are victims of domestic abuse falls for a mechanic who abused his wife because he’s deeply in denial about his sexuality. Serious issues are handled well in this story and there’s lots of UST.