Picture a New Yorker with a knack for spinning gritty, heartfelt queer romance—meet Santino Hassell! Raised in Brooklyn’s vibrant chaos, Hassell transformed from a rebellious grunge kid into a celebrated author whose steamy, authentic stories capture the pulse of city life. His raw, passionate narratives, especially in the beloved Five Boroughs series, have hooked readers and critics alike, earning him a RITA award nomination and a devoted following.
With a cynical edge and a love for baseball caps, Hassell crafts tales that dive deep into complex relationships, proving that love—flawed and fierce—thrives in the urban jungle. Ready to explore his world? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Santino Hassell
Born and raised in Brooklyn by a conservative Catholic family, Santino Hassell was anything but conventional. As a self-described smart-mouthed grunge kid, he skipped school and embraced a transient twenties lifestyle before finding his calling as a romance author. His New York roots and personal experiences shaped his writing, infusing it with the city’s gritty energy and a belief that human connections are beautifully imperfect. Hassell’s journey from outsider to literary star is as compelling as his novels, blending rebellion with raw talent.
Santino Hassell’s Unforgettable Stories
Hassell’s Five Boroughs series is his crown jewel, a collection of LGBTQ+ romances set against New York’s urban backdrop. Sutphin Boulevard (2015) kicks off with Michael Rodriguez and Nunzio Medici, two friends navigating love and heartbreak with intense chemistry. Sunset Park (2015) follows Raymond Rodriguez and David Butler, whose roommate dynamic sparks a sizzling, emotional journey. Interborough (2016) revisits Raymond and David, tackling real-life relationship struggles with heart-wrenching realism. Illegal Contact (2017), from the Barons series, dives into sports romance with a closeted bisexual football player’s steamy affair, earning praise for its heat and honesty.
Hassell’s style is raw, immersive, and unapologetic, blending scorching romance with nuanced character growth. His stories explore themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, reflecting the diversity and struggles of queer urban life. Critics laud his ability to balance steamy scenes with emotional depth, making every page pulse with authenticity.
Why Santino Hassell Matters
Santino Hassell redefined queer romance by centering authentic, diverse voices in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. His Five Boroughs series brought New York’s underrepresented communities to life, resonating with readers who saw themselves in his flawed, relatable characters. A 2017 RITA nomination, alongside finalist spots in the Bisexual Book Awards and EPIC Awards, cemented his influence. Hassell’s work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan, proving his stories transcend niche audiences. His legacy lies in showing that love, in all its messy glory, is worth celebrating.
- Born: Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: Sutphin Boulevard, Sunset Park, Interborough, Illegal Contact
- Awards: 2017 RITA Award nominee, Bisexual Book Awards finalist, EPIC Awards finalist
Snag Sutphin Boulevard and dive into Santino Hassell’s gritty, swoon-worthy world of queer romance—you won’t put it down!