Picture a South African storyteller who spun a heartwarming LGBTQ+ rom-com that’s stealing hearts worldwide—meet Kevin van Whye! Born and raised in Johannesburg, this rising star in Young Adult romance has a knack for crafting stories that blend humor, heart, and relatable characters. His debut novel, Date Me, Bryson Keller, introduced readers to his fresh voice, proving that love stories can be both fun and profound.
Kevin’s passion for storytelling isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong love affair that began in childhood and led him to create narratives that resonate with teens and adults alike. With a background in scriptwriting and a flair for contemporary romance, he’s quickly carving out a unique space in the literary world.
The Making of Kevin van Whye
Kevin van Whye grew up in South Africa, where his storytelling spark ignited at age four when he famously quit preschool because his teacher couldn’t tell a story. This early defiance set the stage for a creative journey that took him to film school to study scriptwriting. Though he dropped out after two years, Kevin honed his craft, winning an award for a high school play and later writing a short film that caught the attention of a South African film commission. His love for stories also led him to freelance editing and mentoring aspiring authors, all while nurturing his own novels in Johannesburg.
Kevin van Whye’s Unforgettable Stories
Kevin’s debut, Date Me, Bryson Keller, published in 2020, is a queer YA rom-com that follows Kai Sheridan, a gay teen who dares to ask out the popular Bryson Keller as part of a weekly dating challenge. Inspired by ’90s rom-coms and the manga Seven Days, the novel blends humor with heartfelt coming-out themes, earning praise for its uplifting narrative and happy ending. Readers adore its South Africanisms—like “haibo” and “boytjie”—woven naturally into the dialogue.
In 2022, Kevin released Nate Plus One, another gay YA romance set against the vibrant backdrop of a South African wedding. The story follows Nate Hargraves, a shy singer-songwriter, and Jai Patel, a charismatic rock guitarist, as they navigate love and self-discovery. Pitched as What If It’s Us meets Crazy Rich Asians, it showcases Kevin’s ability to craft modern, diverse relationships with emotional depth.
Kevin’s writing style is straightforward yet engaging, with strong characters driving stories that tackle identity, acceptance, and love. His focus on LGBTQ+ narratives fills a vital gap in YA literature, offering teens joyful stories where queer characters thrive. Whether it’s a daring date or a wedding adventure, Kevin’s books leap off the page with authenticity and charm.
Why Kevin van Whye Matters
Kevin van Whye’s impact lies in his ability to give queer teens stories that celebrate love and identity without tragedy. His books resonate globally, offering representation that feels both universal and deeply personal. By rooting his narratives in South African culture, he brings fresh perspectives to YA romance, inspiring readers to embrace their own stories. As a mentor and writer, Kevin’s influence extends beyond his novels, encouraging new voices in literature.
- Born: South Africa
- Key Works: Date Me, Bryson Keller (2020), Nate Plus One (2022)
- Genre: Young Adult LGBTQ+ Romance
- Notable: Won a high school playwriting award
Ready to fall in love with Kevin van Whye’s world? Snag Date Me, Bryson Keller and dive into his heartfelt, laugh-out-loud YA rom-coms!