Books like Ander and Santi Were Here

A tender, sun-drenched queer romance that celebrates the vibrant sanctuary of community before confronting the heartbreaking realities of the American immigration system. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Ander and Santi Were Here.

sun-drenched
intimate
vibrant
heartbreaking

01
Only mostly devastated
Sophie Gonzales
A queer reimagining of a classic summer-nights romance that balances laugh-out-loud banter with the tender ache of real-world grief.
Shares:
- earnest
- tender
- bittersweet
02
Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A sun-drenched, tender exploration of boyhood, identity, and the quiet miracles of first love.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- intimate
- earnest
- tender
03
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas
A vibrant, spooky-cozy celebration of queer joy, first love, and finding your place within the traditions that shaped you.
Shares:
- vibrant
- earnest
- tender
- first love
04
Perfect on Paper
Sophie Gonzales
A sharp, big-hearted rom-com about a know-it-all advice dispenser who has to learn how to take her own medicine.
Feels:
- chaotic
- hopeful
- high-energy
05
Who I Was with Her
Nita Tyndall
A raw, quiet exploration of what it means to mourn a love the world didn't know you had.
Shares:
- intimate
- earnest
- bittersweet
06
They Both Die at the End
Adam Silvera
A ticking-clock romance that breaks your heart while desperately urging you to live.
Shares:
- earnest
- tender
- bittersweet
07
The gravity of us
Phil Stamper
A swoony, high-stakes queer romance about finding your anchor when the whole world is watching.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- earnest
- tender
08
Felix Ever After
Kacen Callender
A vibrant, messy, and deeply tender exploration of learning to believe you are worthy of your own love story.
Shares:
- vibrant
- earnest
- tender
09
I'll Give You the Sun
Jandy Nelson
A vibrant, paint-splattered explosion of grief, first love, and the fierce, fractured bond between twins.
Shares:
- vibrant
- earnest
- passionate
- bittersweet
10
I Wish You All the Best
Mason Deaver
A tender, emotionally raw exploration of healing, found family, and the quiet courage it takes to let yourself be loved.
Shares:
- earnest
- tender
- queer joy
- first love
11
When the Moon Was Ours
Anna-Marie McLemore
An ethereal and tender exploration of first love, identity, and the magic of being truly seen.
Shares:
- intimate
- earnest
- tender
- first love
12
Ariah
B.R. Sanders
An epic queer fantasy that weaves intimate romance and dangerous magic into a sweeping tale of war, sacrifice, and self-discovery.
Shares:
- earnest
- passionate

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