Books

8 Lesbian Romance Novels That Will Get You Hooked on the Genre

For a long time, when you thought about romance novels, you couldn’t help but picture Fabio‘s flowing mane, or your mother’s secret stash of Jackie Collins. But when Fifty Shades of Grey came around, it did more than just titillate the masses-it opened the door for romance and erotica novels to make their way into the mainstream. It was finally OK to get absorbed in (and turned on) by a book, and feel no shame. (Well, digital readers didn’t hurt either.)

Now romance novels make up a healthy chunk of new book sales, and it’s about time. There are publishing houses that specialize in LGBTQ romance like Bold Strokes and Bella Books, and consistently put out high quality, engaging and addictive novels and short stories.

Want to sink your teeth into a juicy romance? Here are a few to get you started. (Most of the books are available in both e-format and paperback.)

Melissa Brayden is one of my favorite lesbian romance writers, and in the short time she’s been publishing with Bold Strokes (only since 2011) her books have been consistently excellent and engaging. Waiting in the Wings is actually her first book, and I consider it her best. It’s a story of a showmance between two young musical theatre actresses, and the inevitable complications that arise when love and ambition come head to head. Sexy, funny and all around enjoyable.

Who doesn’t love a good fairy tale? This book brings the modern world and fantasy together in a really lovely way. Holly is a librarian, much more comfortable with her nose pressed in a book than anywhere else. Everything changes when a warrior woman named Virago and a dangerous beast, escape from her favorite fantasy novel and into her world. This book is entirely charming, and you’d be hard pressed to find a sexier or more dashing heroine that Virago. Also, nice cover art!

If you are a sucker for period pieces, then you will like Silver Wings. Set during WWII, the story focuses on the brave women of the W.A.S.P program. While training to fly military missions, sparks fly between civilian pilot Lily Rivera and stuntwoman Helen Richmond. I especially like this book because, in addition to having two solid leads, the supporting characters are well-drawn. It’s also quite evident that a lot of research went into making this novel as rich and authentic as possible.

This book managed to get a spot in our Book Club earlier this year, and I can see why. While the characters do have the most romancey of names (Kendall and Payton, of course) their relationship is the stuff modern romance novels are made of. Best friends who fall in love under extraordinary circumstance. Kendall is a young and wildly successful actress, who invites her longtime BFF Kendall to live with her in LA. Longing glances, misunderstandings and passionate confessions ensue.

Ice is the kind of book that makes your heart pound. Alex and Maggie somehow find a way to fight for love, while they are fighting for their lives. Between a blizzard and a plane crash, you’d think the deck was stacked against these two, but love finds a way. Author Lyn Gardner got her start writing popular fan fiction, so keep writing folks!

If you like your romance super sweet, and wrapped in warm fuzzies, then check out Starting from Scatch. Avery, who uses baking as way to unwind (and fill a void) finds herself coaching little league. When she falls head over heels for one of her player’s mothers, is when the fun really starts. This book is just as much about finding family as it is about finding romance, and speaks to the fact that many lesbian and bisexual women out there, do have children. Who says you can’t have both?

Radclyffe is a legend in the world of lesbian romance. Not only is she the founder of Bold Strokes Books, but she’s written a countless number of their bestsellers. Many of Radclyffe’s heroines are of the butchier persuasion, which is a breath of fresh air considering butch women aren’t often given the space and narrative that they deserve. If you are into butch/femme pairings, then these books will likely satisfy. Also, not for nothing, but Radclyffe is a hell of a writer. The first romance novel I read was by Radclyffe, and it got me hooked.

Keepers of the Cave is bizarre in the best way. It’s a romance novel smack dab inside of a supernatural mystery. Two FBI agents-which are like lesbian romance novel catnip-are assigned to investigate and infiltrate a small town where nefarious deeds are afoot. While trying to keep up a charade as couple, the agents end up falling for each other. It’s a taut thriller, with the added bonus of sexytimes.

What are some of your favorite romance novels and authors? Tells us in the comments.

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