Books Like...

'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.

Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake follows the story of Delilah returning to her hometown to photograph her stepsister Astrid's wedding, where she finds herself entangled in family drama but drawn to Claire, one of Astrid's bridesmaids. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, portraying complex characters dealing with past traumas and exploring their identities. The narrative is filled with humor, romance, and emotional depth, capturing the dynamics between the characters in a small town setting.

"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.

In an alternative version of 2020, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston follows the romantic journey between Alex, the son of the first female president of the United States, and Henry, a prince of England. The book presents a witty, fun, and heartwarming narrative that explores the complex relationship between the two characters as they navigate their love amidst political tensions and personal discoveries. The writing style of the book is engaging, offering a mix of romance, humor, and political drama that creates a compelling and optimistic storyline.

Readers are taken on a journey through the life of Grace Porter, a character who has just achieved her Ph.D. in Astronomy and is struggling with the pressure to have her life figured out. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, mental health, social justice, and the impact of familial expectations on one's identity. Set in Portland and Las Vegas, the book explores Grace's relationships with her friends, her unexpected marriage to Yuki, and her internal struggles with perfectionism and finding her place in the world.

The writing style of "Honey Girl" by Morgan Rogers is described as a mix of appealing and unsatisfying, with the author making a decent effort in her first book but falling slightly short. The narrative is praised for addressing deeper themes beyond romance, such as loneliness, connection, societal standards, and the struggle of people of color in academia. Despite some inconsistencies and distractions in the plot, the book is commended for its attempt to provide valuable commentary on personal sacrifice, abstract goals, and the importance of living authentically.

'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.

'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall follows the story of Luc O'Donnell, a minor celebrity trying to improve his reputation to save his job. Luc agrees to fake date Oliver Blackwood, who also needs a fake boyfriend, leading to a predictable yet fast-paced plot filled with tension and hilarious interactions between a cast of quirky characters. The book explores themes of self-worth, family bonds, and personal growth, all wrapped up in a charming rom-com narrative with witty banter and emotional depth.

In 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite, readers are taken on a journey through Regency England where a young astronomer, Lucy, falls for the wealthy widowed countess, Catherine. Together, they learn to trust each other, pursue science, and advocate for women's rights. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, feminism, and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated fields, all while exploring a tender and genuine romance between the two main characters.

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.

'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.