Books Like...

In 'Chef's Choice', Luna, a confident and independent woman, finds herself embarking on a fake dating relationship with Jean Pierre, a grumpy French man, in order to secure their own interests. The story is filled with tropes like fake dating, cooking competitions, and a heartwarming romance between two trans characters with different perspectives on gender and queerness. The writing style is described as complex, refreshing, spicy, and humorous, with well-developed characters, witty banter, and chemistry that draws readers into the engaging plot.

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell is set in Victorian England in 1888, where Kit Griffith, an artist turned bicycle shop owner, meets botanist Muriel Penny Pendrake. Penny hires Kit to illustrate British seaweeds for her project, but Kit struggles with his identity as a trans man in a time when such terms were not yet established. The plot slowly unfolds with witty banter and a charming chemistry between the two main characters. They embark on a bike tour through Cornwall, showcasing their journey and the challenge of proving women can succeed in long-distance cycling.

The writing style is light-hearted and humorous, which provides an escape into the beautiful seaside setting. Readers appreciate the glimpse into queer history and the portrayal of Kit navigating his relationships with friends while discovering love with Penny. The book stands as a delightful exploration of the characters' journeys, featuring lively dialogue, interesting historical context, and sweet moments of connection.

Crush by L. Dreamer tells a heartwarming love story set in a California winery. It follows Mia, a widow who hires Cal, a trans man, to manage the vineyard. As their friendship blossoms into romance, the narrative explores themes of acceptance and love in various forms. Dreamer's writing is noted for its tenderness and respect, crafting relatable characters that leave readers wanting more.

The story unfolds gently, intertwining the main plot with subplots that enhance the emotional depth. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and the thoughtful portrayal of transitioning, though some found the writing straightforward and the plot predictable. Overall, Crush is celebrated for normalizing queer romance and offers a sweet escape into a beautifully written narrative filled with warmth and charm.

'Triple Sec' by T.J. Alexander is a heartwarming romance novel that introduces readers to the world of polyamory through the story of Mel, a jaded bartender, who gets swept off her feet by Bebe and Kade. The book features a diverse cast of queer characters and focuses on healthy communication, low angst, and the exploration of multi-partner relationships in a high-end cocktail bar setting. The writing style is described as witty, steamy, and humorous, with well-crafted characters that are dimensional and lovable.

'Reverb' by Anna Zabo is a rock star bodyguard romance novel that follows the story of Mish Sullivan, the bass player of Twisted Wishes, who is being stalked. When a trans man and veteran named David Altet is hired as her bodyguard, a relationship filled with immediate attraction, chemistry, and banter ensues. As Mish and David explore their attraction amidst the escalating stalker situation, themes of found family, acceptance, and queer spaces are interwoven into the narrative. The book captures the dynamics of the band members, their deep bond, and the development of a romantic relationship between Mish and David, all set against the backdrop of the darker side of fame and social media.

"Confessions of the Fox" by Jordy Rosenberg is a complex narrative that intertwines a retelling of the life of Jack Sheppard, a notorious 18th-century footpad, and his lover Bess with the story of Dr. Voth, a transgender academic who discovers and annotates the manuscript. Set in London in 1724, the book delves into themes of gender identity, marginalized communities, and historical reimagining, all while exploring political agendas and personal narratives. The writing style includes copious footnotes that provide additional layers to the storytelling, creating a multi-faceted reading experience.

Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant is a historical fantasy romance featuring a witch attempting to resurrect her dead lover, but finding unexpected love with a cowboy instead. The story is set in a world with fantasy elements, plant magic, and enchantments, creating a tender and heartfelt romance between the main characters. The book explores themes of loneliness, loss, secrets, and finding acceptance with another person, all within a beautifully built relationship.

In Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore, readers are taken on a journey of acceptance and love as two teenagers, Bastín and Lore, navigate a magical underwater world and explore their own identities. Bastín, a transmasculine nonbinary teen with ADHD, copes by creating alebrijes that come alive underwater, while Lore, a genderfluid and nonbinary newcomer, tries to leave their past behind. As the colorful underwater world starts to affect the real world, Bastín and Lore must confront their hidden truths and struggles with transphobia and ableism. McLemore's writing style is described as beautifully lyrical and full of gorgeous imagery, focusing on the emotional states and mental health of the characters.

The Gods of Tango by Carolina De Robertis is a novel set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 1913 to 1936. The story follows Leda, a young Italian girl who arrives in Buenos Aires to be with her husband, only to find him dead. Left with nothing but her grandfather's violin, Leda decides to disguise herself as a man, Dante, to pursue her passion for tango music. The book vividly brings to life the harsh realities of immigrants in Buenos Aires during the early 20th century, the evolution of Leda as a tango musician, and her struggles with identity and sexuality. De Robertis weaves a tale of love, music, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a city teetering on the edge of madness.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is a second chance romance featuring two bisexual exes who find themselves on the same food and wine tour in Europe. To cope with their unresolved feelings, they challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they have moved on. As they visit beautiful cities like Florence and Rome, they explore delicious cuisine and navigate their complex relationship. The story captures their evolving dynamic, focusing on their shared history and chemistry while highlighting the fun and passionate aspects of their interactions.

The writing style is vibrant and character-driven, marked by witty dialogue and humorous moments. McQuiston deftly describes the scenery, food, and ambiance of each location, inviting readers on a sensory journey. The narrative is told from dual perspectives, including a nonbinary character, making it a refreshing take on romance. However, some readers found the plot twists and time jumps frustrating, while others enjoyed the unique character study at its core, making it a diverse and engaging read.