Asexuality is still vastly underrepresented in mainstream publishing, but more and more authors are putting ace and aro-ace individuals front and center. Whether the ace representation is explicitly mentioned or interpreted through character choices, these stories prove that love, connection, and identity take many forms. From thrilling adventures to cozy, everyday stories, there’s something here for every reader looking for nuanced and engaging ace representation.
Vicious by V. E. Schwab
Come for the morally gray supervillains, stay for the tension between Victor and Eli that carries more than a whiff of ace-coded energy. V. E. Schwab’s dark, twisty tale about ambition, betrayal, and revenge doesn’t spell things out with bright, flashing lights. Still, the ace vibes are there — layered in Victor’s disinterest in traditional romance and the intense, complicated bonds that drive the story forward. If you like your antiheroes chaotic and entangled in rivalries that feel a little too personal, add Vicious to your TBR.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Set in a small, orderly convenience store in Japan, this novel follows Keiko Furukura, who has happily worked at the store for 18 years. Society doesn’t understand her disinterest in romance or sex, but many readers perceive Keiko as an ace or aro-ace character. Murata’s international bestseller is full of dry, deadpan humor, and Keiko’s life — quiet, unconventional, and fully her own — makes this a story about living authentically on your own terms.
Cupid Calling by Viano Oniomoh
A reality dating show sets the stage for a tender, queer romance in which Ejiro Odavwaro is looking for love and Obiora Anozie is in it for a free vacation — neither expects to catch feelings for each other. Cupid Calling flips the script on reality TV romance with a tender love story where one of the leads is explicitly asexual. Brimming with humor, heartfelt moments, and all the messy fun of dating competitions, it’s perfect for fans who like their happily-ever-afters a little less conventional and a lot more queer.
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
Felicity Montague is brilliant, stubborn, and determined to study medicine in an era when women weren’t welcome in the lecture halls. She’s also explicitly aromantic and asexual, which makes her pursuit of independence and chosen family all the more powerful. Full of witty banter, daring escapades, and clever inventions, Felicity’s story shows that bravery, wit, and cleverness can be as compelling as any romantic plot.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Kobabe’s groundbreaking graphic memoir, Gender Queer, explores eir journey with gender identity, sexuality, and family. Alongside eir nonbinary experience, Kobabe shares moments of realizing an asexual identity, making this one of the most widely read and talked-about ace narratives of recent years. With honesty and vulnerability, it captures the joy of finding language that finally feels right and the comfort of seeing yourself reflected in its pages. Whether you’re new to conversations around asexuality or looking to feel less alone in your own journey, this book is essential reading.
Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks
In Morbidly Yours, funeral director Callum is demisexual, featuring ace-coded representation that enriches the romance. When he meets Lark, an energetic and fiercely independent woman, their connection grows gradually and naturally, proving that chemistry isn’t always instant — and love doesn’t have to follow a prescribed script. Callum and Lark’s relationship highlights that intimacy is found in the quiet, gentle building of trust and understanding.
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
Part human, part machine, all done with humanity’s nonsense — Murderbot is an artificial construct that identifies as neither human nor sexual. Its self-declared disinterest in sex, romance, and social niceties has made Murderbot one of science fiction’s most beloved aro-ace protagonists. Thrown into corporate intrigue, planetary mysteries, and morally messy decisions, Murderbot begrudgingly protects a team of humans while secretly binge-watching media. Fast-paced, funny, and full of heart, Murderbot is a story that thrills, charms, and breaks you — no romance required.
She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat by Sakaomi Yuzaki
Two women living next door to each other bond over food: one cooks elaborate meals, the other has an appetite big enough to match. Their friendship morphs into something deeper, all while one of them explores her asexual identity, giving readers a subtle but meaningful representation. Sweet, cozy, and full of humor, She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat celebrates found family, shared meals, and the small moments that make life purposeful. Between cooking mishaps, heartfelt conversations, and simple moments of support, every page is a warm reminder that love comes in many flavors.
The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia
Firuz-e Jafari is a nonbinary refugee and healer navigating a world full of political intrigue, blood magic, and personal trauma. Firuz’s asexual identity is seamlessly integrated into the story, offering representation without defining the narrative. The world Jamnia writes is immersive, suspenseful, and deeply human, highlighting that high-stakes storytelling thrives with or without romance. Every choice Firuz makes — whether in battle or in quiet healing moments — highlights courage and resilience.
Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Games
Angela Gutierrez has never been kissed — and she’s perfectly fine with that. After a viral video about her asexual identity, she decides it’s time to embrace some “firsts” and creates a scavenger hunt where the prize is her first kiss. Enter Krystal Ramirez, her longtime crush and a sexy bartender determined to help Angela pull it off. Despite vowing that romantic love isn’t for her, Angela finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Krystal. Funny, charming, and a little spicy, Kiss Me, Maybe offers a refreshing look at romance and attraction across all spectrums.
The Meister of Decimen City by Brenna Raney
Supergenius and quasi-villain Rex can’t go a week without accidentally endangering Decimen City — this time, it’s genetically engineered dinosaurs rampaging through town. But when the villain Last Dance returns with a new scheme, Rex is reluctantly pulled back into “quasi-herodom,” dodging superheroes, saving the city, and trying not to cause more chaos than necessary. Rex’s asexuality is naturally hinted at, adding another layer to an already unconventional protagonist. Saving the city has never been this chaotic — or this entertaining.
The Perfect Assassin by K. A. Doore
Novice assassin Amastan has been trained to believe that divine justice is written in blood — but as a new member of the Basbowen family, he’s already questioning the morality of taking lives. When a series of murders hits Ghadid, Amastan is thrust into a deadly hunt to find the culprit before he becomes the next target. Amastan’s asexuality adds nuance to his character, deepening this high-stakes fantasy. Immersive and morally complex, The Perfect Assassin takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey through a world ruled by power, betrayal, and skill — where identity and choice are as central as any plot twist.
I Want to Be a Wall by Honami Shirono
Any love story aficionado might say that desire is the key to a successful couple, but newlyweds Yuriko and Gakurouta defy that rule. Yuriko, an asexual woman with a passion for Boys Love stories, and Gakurouta, a gay man still devoted to his oblivious childhood crush, aren’t destined for romance, but their unique bond blossoms in unexpected and heartwarming ways. A tender exploration of friendship, partnership, and mutual support, I Want to Be a Wall is charming, witty, and surprisingly moving — showing that love comes in many flavors.
No matter your preferred genre, these ace and aro-ace characters bring something unforgettable to the page. They challenge expectations, redefine relationships, and demonstrate that romance isn’t the only way to make a story shine. Make room on your TBR for these stories and embrace the rich variety of human connection.
For more insight into asexuality in publishing, check out this feature on asexual authors discussing why they write and their experiences.
And if you want even more ace and LGBTQ+ reads to add to your TBR, explore our curated Bookshop.org shelf celebrating diverse voices.
