Name: James O’Connell
Email: james.oconnell.reads@gmail.com
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a gay man who’s been reading MM fiction for over a decade, I’ve become picky. I want realistic characters, authentic emotions, and plots that don’t rely on miscommunication tropes. THE ROMANIAN CON exceeded every expectation.
Alexander and Andrei are both deeply flawed, deeply lovable men. Alexander’s panic disorder is portrayed accurately—not as a weakness but as something he manages. Andrei’s guilt over killing his abuser in the orphanage is handled with nuance. Their love story is built on trust that has to be rebuilt from ashes after the betrayal. The scene where Alexander reads Andrei’s letter in jail? I had to put the book down and breathe.
The thriller elements are tight. The second heist—breaking into Volkov’s estate—had me on the edge of my seat. And the courtroom scenes felt authentic (I’m a paralegal, so I notice when legal details are wrong; here, they’re spot-on).
The book is long, but every chapter earns its length. The supporting cast—Cruz, Maria, even Marcus (who gets a redemption arc I didn’t see coming)—adds depth. The ending, from the wedding to the Vermont farmhouse to the final safe, is exactly the closure these characters deserved.
This will be on my “best gay romance books of the year” list. Do yourself a favor and read with pride.
Name: Samantha Clarke
Email: sam.clarke.queerreads@yahoo.com
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where do I even begin? THE ROMANIAN CON is one of the best LGBTQ+ thrillers I’ve ever read. The premise—a thief falling for his mark—is not new, but the execution here is fresh, raw, and emotionally devastating. Andrei isn’t a smooth-talking playboy; he’s a traumatized orphan who has spent twenty-three years chasing revenge. Alexander isn’t a naive victim; he’s a guarded banker who has already been burned by love. Their chemistry is electric from their first handshake.
The heist scenes are incredibly detailed—you can tell the author did research on bank security, lockpicking, and surveillance. But the real magic is how the suspense serves the romance. Every stolen moment between them feels precious because you know it might be the last.
I also loved the Romanian setting. The descriptions of Sibiu, the Carpathian mountains, and the folk traditions added a richness that most gay romance novels lack. The side plot about Andrei’s parents being journalists-turned-CIA assets was a brilliant twist.
The only warning: this book is emotionally heavy. There are scenes of violence, trauma recovery, and prison brutality. But the author never goes for shock value—everything serves the story. And the ending? Perfect. The last chapter, “The Last Safe,” made me cry happy tears.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes gay thriller with heart. This is not a light beach read, but it’s unforgettable.
Name: Michael Torres
Email: michael.torres.booklover@gmail.com
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I picked up THE ROMANIAN CON because I was looking for a gay romance that wasn’t just fluff—I wanted intrigue, danger, and real emotional stakes. This book delivered in spades. From the very first chapter, when Andrei (posing as Adrian) walks into Alexander’s office, I was hooked. The author does an incredible job of balancing the heist thriller elements with the slow-burn romance. You feel Alexander’s loneliness like a physical ache, and you feel Andrei’s guilt every time he lies. The way their relationship develops—from manipulation to genuine love—is masterful.
The secondary characters are also fantastic. Detective Cruz is the kind of ally every fugitive wishes for, and Maria (the Romanian contact) broke my heart. Volkov is a terrifying villain, not because he’s cartoonishly evil, but because he’s so believable. The human trafficking subplot is handled with sensitivity and never feels exploitative.
I especially appreciated the dual POV. Seeing Andrei’s internal war—his mission versus his growing love—made the betrayal scene gut-wrenching. And the prison chapters? I sobbed. The reunion in Budapest had me cheering out loud.
If you love MM romance books with high stakes, morally complex heroes, and a happy ending that feels earned, buy this book. It’s over 100,000 words of pure, addictive storytelling. I’ll be first in line for the sequel.
Name: Alex Rivera
Email: alex.rivera@darkreads.net
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
“I’m a sucker for gay psychological thriller novels, and THE MAKEDA PROTOCOL delivered in spades. But let me be clear: this is not a light read. The graphic violence is intense – ritual murder, carving, biological weapons. The erotic horror thriller elements are not for the faint of heart.
That said, the gay romance at the core is surprisingly tender. Eli and Nadia’s relationship develops slowly, realistically. They don’t trust each other at first; they use each other. But by the end, you believe in their love. MM romance books often rush the emotional connection – this one earns it.
The WW romance between Raven and Nadia (ex-lovers) is the emotional gut-punch. Raven is a fantastic antagonist – you hate her, you pity her, you almost root for her. Her sapphic romance flashbacks with Nadia are heartbreaking.
My only complaint? The book is LONG. 56 chapters, each 2,000+ words. Some middle chapters could have been trimmed. But if you love LGBTQ+ ebooks that are doorstoppers, you’ll be fine.
Top LGBTQ+ books of the year material. Gay book club pick for sure. Gay authors take note – this is how you write a gay love story within a gay thriller framework. Read with pride – and a strong stomach.” — Alex Rivera
Name: Casey Lin
Email: casey.lin@queerreads.com
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Where do I even begin? THE MAKEDA PROTOCOL is a masterpiece of queer fiction that defies every genre label. It’s a gay thriller, a WW romance, a political conspiracy, and a philosophical meditation on revenge and justice – all wrapped in 56 chapters of relentless pacing.
The book’s greatest strength is its refusal to moralize. The cult members are killers, but they’re also victims of a system that failed them. The FBI agents are heroes, but they’re also complicit in the same system. Eli Cross – a gay man – is hunting a lesbian cult. The irony is never lost. MM romance books rarely tackle such complex power dynamics.
The gay romance between Eli and Nadia is unconventional (he’s gay, she’s lesbian – their attraction is emotional and intellectual, not purely physical), but it’s one of the most authentic gay love stories I’ve read. They don’t “turn” each other; they simply fall for each other’s courage.
The WW romance between Lark and Sage is tragic and beautiful. Two young women indoctrinated into violence, finding solace in each other. Their scenes are tender, then brutal. Steamy MM romance? Not exactly – but the lesbian romance is just as hot.
I also appreciated the gay historical romance echoes – the cult’s ideology mirrors real feminist extremism of the past. Gay contemporary romance fans will love the modern setting. MM authors should study this book for its pacing and character arcs.
Readwithpride – this is one of the best MM romance (loosely defined) novels of 2026. Free gay romance? No. Worth every cent? Absolutely.” — Casey Lin
Name: Jordan Michaels
Email: jordan.michaels@booklover.net
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I picked up THE MAKEDA PROTOCOL expecting a typical gay romance novel – maybe some fluff, some heat, a happy ending. What I got was a gay psychological thriller that kept me up until 3 AM for five nights straight. This is not your soft MM romance books fare. This is brutal, erotic, and unapologetically dark.
Eli Cross is one of the most compelling gay love story protagonists I’ve ever read. He’s damaged, principled, and desperately trying to hold onto his humanity while chasing a cult of lesbian executioners. His romance with Nadia – a lesbian journalist – is unconventional for MM romance (usually it’s two men), but it works beautifully. Their steamy MM romance scenes are tender amidst the horror.
The WW romance between Lark and Sage, two young cult members, is heartbreaking. You hate what they do, but you understand why they do it. That’s the genius of this book – it doesn’t offer easy answers. The gay authors (the writer is an ally) have crafted a world where nobody is purely good or evil.
The cult’s ideology is terrifying because it’s rooted in real grievances. The lesbian crime fiction angle is fresh. The sapphic psychological tension between Raven and Nadia – ex-lovers now on opposite sides – is electric. Top LGBTQ+ books lists need to make room for this.
If you’re looking for emotional MM books that will make you think, feel, and flinch – buy this. Gay book club members will have endless debates. Read with pride – but maybe not alone at night.” — Jordan Michaels
admin –
Name: James O’Connell Email: james.oconnell.reads@gmail.com Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a gay man who’s been reading MM fiction for over a decade, I’ve become picky. I want realistic characters, authentic emotions, and plots that don’t rely on miscommunication tropes. THE ROMANIAN CON exceeded every expectation. Alexander and Andrei are both deeply flawed, deeply lovable men. Alexander’s panic disorder is portrayed accurately—not as a weakness but as something he manages. Andrei’s guilt over killing his abuser in the orphanage is handled with nuance. Their love story is built on trust that has to be rebuilt from ashes after the betrayal. The scene where Alexander reads Andrei’s letter in jail? I had to put the book down and breathe. The thriller elements are tight. The second heist—breaking into Volkov’s estate—had me on the edge of my seat. And the courtroom scenes felt authentic (I’m a paralegal, so I notice when legal details are wrong; here, they’re spot-on). The book is long, but every chapter earns its length. The supporting cast—Cruz, Maria, even Marcus (who gets a redemption arc I didn’t see coming)—adds depth. The ending, from the wedding to the Vermont farmhouse to the final safe, is exactly the closure these characters deserved. This will be on my “best gay romance books of the year” list. Do yourself a favor and read with pride.
admin –
Name: Samantha Clarke Email: sam.clarke.queerreads@yahoo.com Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Where do I even begin? THE ROMANIAN CON is one of the best LGBTQ+ thrillers I’ve ever read. The premise—a thief falling for his mark—is not new, but the execution here is fresh, raw, and emotionally devastating. Andrei isn’t a smooth-talking playboy; he’s a traumatized orphan who has spent twenty-three years chasing revenge. Alexander isn’t a naive victim; he’s a guarded banker who has already been burned by love. Their chemistry is electric from their first handshake. The heist scenes are incredibly detailed—you can tell the author did research on bank security, lockpicking, and surveillance. But the real magic is how the suspense serves the romance. Every stolen moment between them feels precious because you know it might be the last. I also loved the Romanian setting. The descriptions of Sibiu, the Carpathian mountains, and the folk traditions added a richness that most gay romance novels lack. The side plot about Andrei’s parents being journalists-turned-CIA assets was a brilliant twist. The only warning: this book is emotionally heavy. There are scenes of violence, trauma recovery, and prison brutality. But the author never goes for shock value—everything serves the story. And the ending? Perfect. The last chapter, “The Last Safe,” made me cry happy tears. Highly recommend for anyone who likes gay thriller with heart. This is not a light beach read, but it’s unforgettable.
admin –
Name: Michael Torres Email: michael.torres.booklover@gmail.com Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I picked up THE ROMANIAN CON because I was looking for a gay romance that wasn’t just fluff—I wanted intrigue, danger, and real emotional stakes. This book delivered in spades. From the very first chapter, when Andrei (posing as Adrian) walks into Alexander’s office, I was hooked. The author does an incredible job of balancing the heist thriller elements with the slow-burn romance. You feel Alexander’s loneliness like a physical ache, and you feel Andrei’s guilt every time he lies. The way their relationship develops—from manipulation to genuine love—is masterful. The secondary characters are also fantastic. Detective Cruz is the kind of ally every fugitive wishes for, and Maria (the Romanian contact) broke my heart. Volkov is a terrifying villain, not because he’s cartoonishly evil, but because he’s so believable. The human trafficking subplot is handled with sensitivity and never feels exploitative. I especially appreciated the dual POV. Seeing Andrei’s internal war—his mission versus his growing love—made the betrayal scene gut-wrenching. And the prison chapters? I sobbed. The reunion in Budapest had me cheering out loud. If you love MM romance books with high stakes, morally complex heroes, and a happy ending that feels earned, buy this book. It’s over 100,000 words of pure, addictive storytelling. I’ll be first in line for the sequel.
admin –
Name: Alex Rivera Email: alex.rivera@darkreads.net Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ “I’m a sucker for gay psychological thriller novels, and THE MAKEDA PROTOCOL delivered in spades. But let me be clear: this is not a light read. The graphic violence is intense – ritual murder, carving, biological weapons. The erotic horror thriller elements are not for the faint of heart. That said, the gay romance at the core is surprisingly tender. Eli and Nadia’s relationship develops slowly, realistically. They don’t trust each other at first; they use each other. But by the end, you believe in their love. MM romance books often rush the emotional connection – this one earns it. The WW romance between Raven and Nadia (ex-lovers) is the emotional gut-punch. Raven is a fantastic antagonist – you hate her, you pity her, you almost root for her. Her sapphic romance flashbacks with Nadia are heartbreaking. My only complaint? The book is LONG. 56 chapters, each 2,000+ words. Some middle chapters could have been trimmed. But if you love LGBTQ+ ebooks that are doorstoppers, you’ll be fine. Top LGBTQ+ books of the year material. Gay book club pick for sure. Gay authors take note – this is how you write a gay love story within a gay thriller framework. Read with pride – and a strong stomach.” — Alex Rivera
admin –
Name: Casey Lin Email: casey.lin@queerreads.com Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Where do I even begin? THE MAKEDA PROTOCOL is a masterpiece of queer fiction that defies every genre label. It’s a gay thriller, a WW romance, a political conspiracy, and a philosophical meditation on revenge and justice – all wrapped in 56 chapters of relentless pacing. The book’s greatest strength is its refusal to moralize. The cult members are killers, but they’re also victims of a system that failed them. The FBI agents are heroes, but they’re also complicit in the same system. Eli Cross – a gay man – is hunting a lesbian cult. The irony is never lost. MM romance books rarely tackle such complex power dynamics. The gay romance between Eli and Nadia is unconventional (he’s gay, she’s lesbian – their attraction is emotional and intellectual, not purely physical), but it’s one of the most authentic gay love stories I’ve read. They don’t “turn” each other; they simply fall for each other’s courage. The WW romance between Lark and Sage is tragic and beautiful. Two young women indoctrinated into violence, finding solace in each other. Their scenes are tender, then brutal. Steamy MM romance? Not exactly – but the lesbian romance is just as hot. I also appreciated the gay historical romance echoes – the cult’s ideology mirrors real feminist extremism of the past. Gay contemporary romance fans will love the modern setting. MM authors should study this book for its pacing and character arcs. Readwithpride – this is one of the best MM romance (loosely defined) novels of 2026. Free gay romance? No. Worth every cent? Absolutely.” — Casey Lin
admin –
Name: Jordan Michaels Email: jordan.michaels@booklover.net Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I picked up THE MAKEDA PROTOCOL expecting a typical gay romance novel – maybe some fluff, some heat, a happy ending. What I got was a gay psychological thriller that kept me up until 3 AM for five nights straight. This is not your soft MM romance books fare. This is brutal, erotic, and unapologetically dark. Eli Cross is one of the most compelling gay love story protagonists I’ve ever read. He’s damaged, principled, and desperately trying to hold onto his humanity while chasing a cult of lesbian executioners. His romance with Nadia – a lesbian journalist – is unconventional for MM romance (usually it’s two men), but it works beautifully. Their steamy MM romance scenes are tender amidst the horror. The WW romance between Lark and Sage, two young cult members, is heartbreaking. You hate what they do, but you understand why they do it. That’s the genius of this book – it doesn’t offer easy answers. The gay authors (the writer is an ally) have crafted a world where nobody is purely good or evil. The cult’s ideology is terrifying because it’s rooted in real grievances. The lesbian crime fiction angle is fresh. The sapphic psychological tension between Raven and Nadia – ex-lovers now on opposite sides – is electric. Top LGBTQ+ books lists need to make room for this. If you’re looking for emotional MM books that will make you think, feel, and flinch – buy this. Gay book club members will have endless debates. Read with pride – but maybe not alone at night.” — Jordan Michaels