Tapas is a platform where artists and writers can post their works. Though mostly known for their comics, there are plenty of web novels for readers to check out. Most of the novels are free to read, but there are some that readers will have to pay for with Ink. Readers can either earn Bonus Ink every week or pay for it.
There are plenty of genres to choose from, and the BL genre is arguably one of the most popular ones, if not the most popular one. If readers are looking for some great novels in this genre, these are some of the best stories on the platform.
10 State of Matter
- Author: AKG
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Gabriel Masters is a hotheaded young man and the youngest son of one of the world’s top heroes. When a string of murders targets people close to him and his family, Gabe decides to find out who’s behind them. Enter August Wright, Gabe’s partner and one of the most powerful Guardians of his generation, but he doesn’t want others to know that (not even Gabe). He just wants to make it through the rest of his school days without trouble. Too bad he’s partnered with the one person that might force him to use his full power.
This BL web novel is great for anyone wanting to read action with superheroes. The romance between Gabe and August is a slow burn, but it’s still at a good pace that let’s the two of them work together and get to know one another.
9 Escaping the Abyss
- Author: Jen Leifire
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Cal is a young man that has joined the Conciliators, an organization dedicated to fighting crime even if their methods are a little unorthodox. Excited to help make the world a better place, Cal finds himself partnered with Sigal, a man that has made it very clear he doesn’t want a partner. Though the two of them find each other unpleasant at first, they warm up to each other as they continue their investigation and learn more about one another.
This story is an excellent choice for readers wanting crime with murder mystery vibes in a BL story. With past traumas affecting them, Sigal and Cal come to care about each other and it’s clear they want to help the other overcome their pasts. It’s another slow-burn romance, but it’s good to see a future couple not acting hastily.
8 Kare Means Boyfriend, Dumbass
- Author: KG Brightwell
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Oliver Williams is a high school student that is a loner and considers himself an unpleasant person. When his father is transferred to Japan, Oliver is perfectly happy with moving to another country and getting a fresh start for his senior year. Unfortunately for him, he’s been forced to share a desk with Nakatomi Junichi, and they can’t stand each other. To make matters more annoying, Oliver can’t help but notice how attractive Jun is.
It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers romance that has all the tropes that BL readers want. Oliver and Jun interactions are amusing and funny to read, making it a great read. This story is a Premium story, meaning a few episodes are free to read, but the rest must be paid for by using Ink. Readers can use Bonus Ink or buy Ink. If readers are looking for a good enemies-to-lovers story, this is one worth investing in.
7 Paranomads
- Author: Bilvy
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Beau is the cameraman for an indie ghost-hunting series that his two best friends, Isaac and Adelaide, host. Their adventures catch the attention of an online streaming service, and they fly out to the United States to promote their show at different conventions. However, what Isaac and Adelaide don’t know is that Beau has a secret crush on Isaac. Their three-month trip in the U.S. is going to be tough on him, especially since they’re spending a good bit of time on a small tour bus.
It’s a great slice-of-life romance story filled with adventure. Fans won’t be able to stop rooting for Beau, who’s been harboring romantic feelings for Isaac for a long time, and hope that his friend will return his feelings. It’s a slow-burn romance, but it’s a nice cozy read that is worth binge-reading.
6 Good Guys Don’t Date Bad Boys
- Author: Laura S. Fox
- Status: Complete
- Read it here
College student Jonathan Hamilton has just transferred to a different school and is looking forward to having a fresh start. All he has to do to get through the school year smoothly is avoid straight bad boys and their charm. Unfortunately for him, he just happens to have a run-in with the most popular one on campus, Maddox “Mad Dawg” Kingsley. Maddox isn’t particularly happy that Jonathan doesn’t like him after their first meeting and hates that there’s one person on campus who doesn’t adore him.
It’s a nice twist on the bad boy trope as Maddox starts falling for Jonathan the more he gets to know him. Jonathan himself can’t help the feelings he has for Maddox even though he tries to keep a distance between them. If readers are looking for a nice rom-com story, this is a good one.
5 Give In To Me
- Author: H.T. Fox
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Darzsa has been living on his own in New Orleans for quite some time. One night while working at the club, he runs into his brother’s old war friend, Josiah. Surprised to run into each other, they reconnect and Darzsa learns that Josiah has come to New Orleans with his spiritual partner Lottie Howard. Lottie has some plans for New Orleans and Josiah, but these plans threaten to tear Darzsa and Josiah’s relationship apart.
This story is great for readers who want a historical romance with some mystery and drama. Taking place in 1923 in New Orleans, this story doesn’t shy away from the discrimination and issues that Darzsa and Josiah face being gay black men in the south. Overall, it’s just an amazing story filled with great characters who are tackling real-life issues. Plus, this story has a spinoff that’ll keep them entertained as well.
4 Hero Vs. Villain
- Author: Yourpersonalprince
- Status: Complete
- Read it here
Ridley is the stereotypical knight in shining armor. He’s good-looking, strong, and so perfect in every way that people don’t like him. Prince Vandel is the complete opposite. Known as an evil prince of darkness, he’s power-hungry and vain, obsessed with wearing beautiful clothes. On paper, these two shouldn’t like each other, but somehow these two find love in one another.
It’s a classic opposites-attract story mixed with fairytale tropes. This story is just the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy because poor Ridley is just a knight just trying to do his duties as best and is just a humble guy. Meanwhile, Vandel’s antics, especially when he’s obsessing over clothes, are just comedy gold.
3 Can You Love A Freak Like Me?
- Author: Unoriginal Artist
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Poor Zine is a young man that is just down on his luck. Being an albino with wings and a tail, he’s an orphan that’s struggling to find his place in a world of ordinary humans. Then he meets Obsidian, a young man that looks young, but tells Zine he’s been waiting for him for a thousand years. Turns out Obsidian is a vampire, but why or how he knew about Zine is a mystery.
A love story about two outcasts finding love is always a nice read, and this one delivers on that. It’s also a nice little twist of the typical paranormal romance with a vampire as Zine isn’t the typical protagonist. This is a great read for readers who want a fantasy with some slice-of-life moments and a little drama.
2 Cupcakes To Kill For
- Author: AliKatMeow
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
Casey Lockhart is a young man who spends his days working at his father’s bakery and being a single father to his two-year-old son, Wyatt. Life is simple, but Casey’s life is turned upside down after tragedy strikes their family. With this and meeting the mysterious August, a gangster with some secrets, Casey isn’t sure what to do. While he can’t deny that he’s drawn to August, Casey is fully aware that he’s nothing but trouble and possibly more.
A cozy murder-mystery romance that’s an excellent choice for fictional crime lovers. It’s not every day that a BL story has a single father, and this story has its heart-warming moments. But don’t think this doesn’t have its dark and suspenseful moments, because it does and will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
1 Sapphire In The Smoke
- Authors: Bijou Paradise & Leveret Moreau
- Status: Ongoing
- Read it here
William Arliss is a young man who happens to be an engineer, an occupation that’s rare in the world and could put a high price on his head. On the run, he hides on an airship to get away only to find that he unwittingly entered a pirate ship. But this is no ordinary pirate ship, this is the ship of Captain Valkyrie, the most fearsome pirate to ever sail the skies.
This is a perfect BL for readers that are looking for a blend of fantasy and steampunk elements. Excellent world-building and details make it easy for readers to picture what’s going on, but it doesn’t overwhelm them either. If readers are looking for a pirate romance with a different twist, Sapphire in the Smoke is worth checking out.