It can be a tough world out here in the search for lesbian romance novels. A lot of them are mediocre at best. Some are downright objectionable. Others make you wonder if you are even a lesbian at all. Well…maybe they don’t make you question your sexuality, but maybe they make you question other things, like if you should be watching a TV show instead, one with a background lesbian fling that lasts one or two episodes long. But, then again, when you come across a good lesbian romance novel, you cherish it and keep it close to your heart and the world seems thrilling again.
The list below consists of books that I’ve read most recently and that I found memorable in one way or another. They aren’t really in any particular order, however, I did save the one I recommend the most for last.
1. “She Drives me Crazy” By: Kelly Quindlen
This is YA all the way and probably my least favorite out of this list. The reason why it is my least favorite is because I found the characters to be a little cringy, particularly one of them. BUT, to be fair, we are dealing with characters who are emotional teenage girls. One of them is especially immature and annoying, but there is still quite a nice story going on, and the other character is quite likable! This takes place in a high school setting where the athlete and the cheerleader end up growing feelings for each other. If that sounds like it could be up your alley, definitely give this book a shot! Just because I found one character to be annoying, doesn’t mean you will (lol!)
2. “Written in the Stars” By: Alexandria Bellefleur
So, this one is not a YA and I found myself thoroughly enjoying both characters and their quirks. The story features two young professionals in the big city growing in their careers. The characters couldn’t be more different, but they are different in a great way and seem to ground each other. One is an elegant and analytical type A lady who colors in the lines while her counterpart couldn’t be more the opposite and a true free spirit. I really enjoyed reading this story and certainly recommend it. This also has a sequel, but interestingly enough, highlights a straight couple.
3. “Style” By: Chelsea M. Cameron
This is another YA book and I really think this might be my top high school girl romance which is saying something because I typically feel a little weird reading these given that I am in my twenties. That said, I’ll still take what I can get when it comes to lesbian romance novels since there is still a slight shortage in my opinion. This one was fun to read and I liked the relationship that formed between the two main characters. The girls are both seniors in high school and getting prepared for their next chapter in life: college. Neither of them expects their senior year to go the way it does though. Spoiler alert! It was a pretty great senior year for these two.
4. “The Priory of the Orange Tree” By: Samantha Shannon
I will preface this by saying that this is not a light read. This book is a beast in both physical size and depth. This is the kind of book that you can’t lie down to read because it would be a struggle to hold this book above your face. And then if it fell on your face because you were too sleepy from your day, forget it, your nose is toast. Anyways, This is one of the most well-written books I have ever read, seriously. I loved this author’s style and the way she made everything seem to have this perfect rhythm and flow. Plus, the amount of depth that this story holds is amazing. This novel is an adult fantasy novel that follows several main characters on their individual quests to save something important to them. The lesbian romance occurs throughout and I enjoyed it a lot. I will warn you though that it is definitely not completely about the romance. Instead, the romance is more like one story among many intriguing ones. Each character is very distinct and well-created. I highly recommend giving it a try if you are up for a more challenging read.
5. “Malice” By: Heather Walter
This is my favorite of the list today because it was written well, unique, and kept me turning pages at the rate of my heartbeat. This is also a fantasy novel with goblins, witches, and magic! One of the coolest elements of this book is that the main character whose perspective we follow throughout the novel is actually considered the “evil” character. Of course, the story instantly makes you fond of her and cheers her on through her struggles and frustrations as she realizes she has feelings for someone that is very much off limits, even to build an acquaintance with. And what’s even cooler is that there is a sequel to this novel called “Misrule.” Give Malice a try and see what you think!
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