Available Formats
We Could Be Heroes
By (Author) PJ Ellis
HarperCollins Publishers
HarperNorth
30th September 2025
8th May 2025
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Modern and Contemporary romance
Historical romance
Humorous fiction
Historical fiction
Narrative theme: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Narrative theme: Love and relationships
Superhero stories
823.92
Paperback
352
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 27mm
260g
Real love is nothing like the movies.
'Outrageously fun beautifully human' NICOLAS DIDOMIZIO
'You'll be hard-pressed to find a better romance novel' BUZZFEED
'Funny and romantic and hot as hell' SOPHIE IRWIN
'A total delight' CAT SEBASTIAN
One of those everything books: you laugh, you cry NEW YORK TIMES
BIRMINGHAM, Present Day.
When American actor Patrick arrives in England, finding love is the last thing on his mind. Starring in a blockbuster superhero movie, hes on a strict filming schedule, which does not include coming out as gay. But when Patrick meets Will a local bookseller and drag performer, whose charm is impossible to resist the temptation for a secret romance has never felt stronger.
NEW YORK, 1949.
Comic-book artists Charles and Iris arent like other married couples. They too are harbouring secrets of a dangerous nature. But together, they are creating a new kind of hero one who is destined to bring Patrick and Will together and might just change the world.
***
Super fans of We Could Be Heroes say:I ADORED it. This book warmed my cold little heart so much. I loved the characters everyone was so full of life. Ultimately, a really uplifting, hopeful, beautiful love story that's so badly needed in the world today
It had me kicking my feet and giggling PJ Ellis has an outrageously charming writing style A lovely, lovely book that I will be pressing into the hands of anyone and everyone. I just adored it
This book is a joy. I raced through it Perfect for people who enjoyed Boyfriend Material
Who wouldn't love this Will's sassiness had me laughing out loud This is a book I will reread and keep recommending
An excellently fun gay rom-com with a great cast of characters that jumped off the page
Intriguing and more and more exciting as the story developed I smiled and laughed so much reading this book the queer joy and humour really shines through
I really enjoyed We Could Be Heroes it was the kind of peppy, smart and fun romantic comedy that, like all the best romcoms, has something important to say about the way we live our livesOh and it was quite horny, wasn't it! JUSTIN MYERS
What an adventure! We Could Be Heroes is a triumphant gay love story thats wise, witty, and chock full of engaging characters.' BYRON LANE
Like all the best superheroes and drag queens We Could Be Heroes is an outrageously fun time with a beautifully human heart beating behind the costumeswoon-worthy chemistry, pitch-perfect humour, and a poignant dash of history woven seamlessly into the ultra-modern narrative. NICOLAS DIDOMIZIO
Its a bird! Its a plane! No, its a fiercely electric romance that I couldnt put down TIMOTHY JANOVSKY
We Could Be Heroes is a total delight. I adored Patrick, Will, and the entire cast of characters CAT SEBASTIAN
Comforting and scintillating all at once, We Could Be Heroes is a joyful romance that had me laughing, crying, and rooting for these heroes ASHLEY HERRING BLAKE
Political, passionate, funny and romantic GABBY HUTCHINSON CROUCH
'This is one of those everything books: You laugh, you cry.' THE NEW YORK TIMES
You'll be hard-pressed to find a better romance novel BUZZFEED *7 SIZZLING ROMANCE NOVELS YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SPRING*
Funny and fast-pacedEllis brings both wit and empathy to bear throughout and crafts characters readers will root for. This is a delight PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ellis creates a winning world full of snappy banter, drag queens fighting for justice, and found familyDrives home the point that queer creators have always been present in the comics world' KIRKUS REVIEWS
PJ Ellis is the author of Love & Other Scams and We Could Be Heroes, and Sex & Relationships Editor at Mens Health. His writing has appeared in publications including GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller and MTV, and his short fiction has been longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He lives in Birmingham and tweets @Philip_Ellis.