Books Like...

Proper English by K.J. Charles is a historical romance novel set in the England World series, focusing on the characters Pat and Fen as they navigate a shooting party that turns into a larger house party with unexpected guests. The plot intertwines romance, mystery, and character development, with Pat and Fen forming a strong and believable connection amidst the backdrop of a murder investigation. The writing style is engaging and detailed, capturing the essence of the English spoken during the Victorian to Edwardian Era.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.

The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.

A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian is an F F novella in the Turner Series, focusing on the characters Molly Wilkins and Alice Stapleton. Molly, a former thief turned lady's maid, and Alice, a disowned gentlewoman working as a companion, find themselves plotting to fix past wrongs and secure a future for themselves. The novella explores their character development, blossoming relationship, and the empowerment they gain from each other's company, culminating in a sweet and satisfying ending.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a Victorian gothic novel filled with plot twists and turns, following the story of two orphan girls who unknowingly have intertwined lives. The book delves into themes of betrayal, ruined innocence, treachery, and madness, all set against the backdrop of Victorian London. Through multiple narrators and a complex plot structure, the story unfolds in a gripping manner, keeping readers guessing and engaged till the very end.

Waters' writing style in Fingersmith is described as evocative, rich in historical detail, and atmospheric, successfully transporting readers to the Victorian era. The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and intrigue, creating a dark and fiery tale laced with love, betrayal, and secrecy that is both compelling and immersive.

'Written in the Stars' by Alexandria Bellefleur is a contemporary F/F romance novel that follows the story of Darcy and Elle, two women who agree to fake a relationship to ward off unwanted matchmaking attempts from their families. The book explores their journey from a fake relationship to developing real feelings for each other, despite their contrasting personalities and initial misunderstandings. The plot revolves around their evolving relationship, struggles with past heartbreaks, and the challenges they face as they navigate their growing emotions.

The writing style of 'Written in the Stars' is described as easy to follow, relaxed, and relatable by readers. The book features well-written dialogue that captures the distinct personalities of the main characters, Darcy and Elle. The story includes fun and insightful situations, such as an Escape Room double date and Thanksgiving dinner, that provide further depth to the characters and their relationship dynamics.

Opening in 1895, "Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure" tells the story of two women, Miss Violetta Beauchamps and Mrs. Bertrice Martin, who team up to exact revenge on Mrs. Martin's Terrible Nephew, Mr. Cappish. Despite their differences in wealth and personality, the two women find companionship, kindness, and love in each other as they embark on a series of outlandish schemes to teach the Terrible Nephew a lesson. The novella explores themes of sexism, ageism, and the power dynamics of class and gender in the Victorian era, all while delivering a witty and heartwarming romance.

Courtney Milan's writing in "Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure" is described as provocative, daring, and rich in social history. The novella features well-developed characters, particularly the two older heroines, who are praised for their complexity, wit, and empowerment. Milan's storytelling skill shines through in the book's exploration of revenge, love, and societal norms, all wrapped in a humorous and joyous narrative that captivates readers from start to finish.

'Something to Talk About' by Meryl Wilsner is a slow-burning romance that follows the story of Jo, a Hollywood star, and her assistant Emma. When rumors of them dating surface after a public event, the two women navigate their growing feelings amidst the challenges of optics, consent, and societal expectations. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship while addressing themes of racism, sexism, workplace harassment, and LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. With a mix of sweet moments, family dynamics, and a realistic portrayal of the entertainment industry, the story unfolds as a charming and engaging read.

The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley is a regency romance novel that focuses on the characters Tommy and Philippa from the Wild Wynchesters series. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, showcasing their communication, respect, and the challenges they face together. The story is filled with romance, mysteries to be solved, and moments of adventure and intrigue, all set against a backdrop of familial love and acceptance within the Wynchester family. The writing style blends romance with elements of disguise-based antics, delivering an engaging and enjoyable read that keeps readers enthralled from beginning to end.

"Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s San Francisco, focusing on the life of Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl navigating her identity and sexuality. Lily finds herself drawn to the underground lesbian community at the Telegraph Club, where she forms a deep connection with Kath. The book beautifully captures the complexities of Lily's experiences as she grapples with societal expectations, racism, and her burgeoning queer identity, all against the backdrop of the Red Scare and the Cold War era. Through vivid descriptions and intricate character development, the author paints a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.

The narrative of "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" is richly layered with historical events and cultural nuances, providing readers with a compelling exploration of Lily's journey towards embracing her true self amidst a time of societal constraints and prejudices. Lo's writing style masterfully weaves together elements of romance, historical context, and personal growth, creating a captivating tale that immerses readers in the vibrant setting of 1950s San Francisco and the challenges faced by Lily as she navigates her identity in a world that seeks to confine her.

'The Price of Salt', also known as 'Carol', by Patricia Highsmith is a 1952 romance novel set in the early 50s. The story follows a lesbian love affair between two women, Carol and Therese. The book is praised for its delicate and beautifully written portrayal of the relationship, which is considered one of the first mainstream literary lesbian novels. It captures the stifling gender roles of the 50s and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their forbidden love.

The book is known for its bittersweet and beautiful depiction of a 1950s gay romance. It explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering a tender and emotional narrative that resonates with readers. Despite being written decades ago, the book's powerfully written and delicate style still feels fresh and relevant, making it a timeless classic in LGBTQ literature.