I would suggest 'Call Me by Your Name' which has elements of a May - December relationship. It's about a 17 - year - old boy, Elio, and a 24 - year - old graduate student, Oliver. The story is set in Italy during the 1980s. It vividly captures the intensity of first love, the exploration of sexual awakening, and the bittersweet nature of a relationship that has an age gap. The novel also delves into the family dynamics and the cultural backdrop of Italy, which further enriches the story.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe can be considered in this category. Although it doesn't focus solely on a 'May - December' relationship in a traditional sense, the growth and difference in the two boys' experiences as they come to terms with their sexuality can be seen as a form of age - related or experience - related gap. It beautifully portrays their relationship development which is a key aspect of many gay romance novels.
One popular gay May - December romance novel is 'Annie on My Mind' by Nancy Garden. It tells a story of two young women in love, which has themes that can be related to the concept of different life stages coming together in a relationship.
The best May - December gay novels tend to deal with the passage of time in an interesting way. The age difference means that the characters are at different stages of their lives. The older character may be more aware of mortality, while the younger one is full of youthful exuberance. This can create a tension in the relationship. Additionally, there's often a focus on communication or the lack thereof. The different perspectives of the two characters can lead to misunderstandings or a deepening of the bond, depending on how they communicate. For example, in 'Giovanni's Room', the two main characters struggle to truly understand each other's needs and desires because of their different life experiences.
I think 'The Song of Achilles' can be considered too. It has a relationship between two characters with different life experiences due to their age difference. The writing is so vivid that you can really feel the love and the sacrifices they make for each other. It's a story that stays with you.
One great May - December gay romance novel is 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'. It beautifully portrays the relationship between two boys of different ages. The story is not just about romance but also about self - discovery and friendship.
I'd recommend 'The Gap of Hearts'. It beautifully portrays the struggles and joys of a 'May-December' gay relationship. The author does a wonderful job of creating a believable and engaging story.
One characteristic is the contrast in life experiences. The older character in a 'May - December' gay romance usually has more life knowledge, perhaps having been through more relationships or having a more established career. For example, in some novels, the older man might be well - settled in his job while the younger one is still exploring his career options. Another characteristic is the different levels of emotional maturity. The younger character might be more impulsive and idealistic about love, while the older one could be more cautious. This often leads to interesting relationship dynamics as they navigate their feelings for each other.
Typically, one character is much older or more experienced while the other is younger. For example, in many such novels, the older character might offer wisdom and stability, like in the way they handle the relationship's challenges.
A great one for beginners is 'The Time Traveler's Wife'. It has a unique take on a May December relationship as the male lead time - travels and his age varies greatly in relation to his wife at different points in time. It's a love story full of twists and turns that's easy to get into.
One popular 'May December' historical romance novel is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. It tells a story of a young couple with a significant age difference, set against a historical backdrop that adds depth to their relationship.