We're still in an era where many novels centered on LGBTQ characters are "issue" books, focusing on the negative or traumatic aspects of identifying as non-heterosexual and cisgender people. Sometimes we just want to read a novel in which LGBTQ characters have positive relationships and live the same joyful (or difficult!) lives as any straight, cisgender character, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is especially true for F/F romance novels. Can't we all get a little love here?
When you pick up a romance novel, of course you expect some tragedy or difficulty, but you expect romance . There should be passion and energy, and because the two protagonists are both women in love, their love doesn't have to be defined by the capital "problems" of coming out or bullying, but rather by the ordinary struggles of life that get in the way. (Life tends to be like that.) These F/F romance novels hope to achieve that goal. Not all of these are perfect, but they are a decisive step in the right direction.
When LGBTQ-centric issues arise in these romance novels, like coming out to an ignorant family, they do so in unique ways, focusing on cultural, religious, and other factors. Most of these stories are about some very hot, swoon-worthy love stories.
1. Play Your Own Role by KE Lane
Play Yourself by KE Lane is a fan (and critic) favorite among F/F romance novels, and for good reason. Caidence Harris stars as a detective who becomes smitten with her charming A-list co-star Robyn Ward in the hit new TV series "Precinct 9." The only problem? Robin is straight and has a tennis star boyfriend. But when the script calls for a kiss between Cadence and Robin, the chemistry is undeniable, and Cadence learns that maybe things aren't always what they seem. While this is definitely a romantic love story rather than an erotic novel, it will satisfy all the feelings you want.
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2. The Nightingale by Andrea Bramhall
The Nightingale is a romance novel that explores issues of culture, faith, and tradition while maintaining a nail-biting tension of romance and suspense. Hazare is engaged to a man - her family believes in Sharia law, which means she will be entering into an arranged marriage. But she formed a deep connection with another woman, Charlie, while at school. Hazare makes a devastating decision to uphold his family's values and leave Charlie, but that's not the end of their story. Years later, when Charlie is working as a diplomat in Pakistan, her past with Hazare becomes her present. Have tissues ready, trust me.
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3. “Waiting” by Melissa Brayden
Hard-working actress Jenna McGovern has spent her life training to be in the spotlight. So when she landed a supporting role in a major touring Broadway show, she didn't think things could get any better. But they did, as she will star alongside TV star Adrienne Kenyon. And (hey, this is romance after all) Jenna and Adrienne form a strong bond, transitioning from friendship to a more romantic relationship. Meanwhile, the two women learn about their hopes, goals, and identities through the performance. If you're a theater fan, you'll be fascinated by Melissa Brayden's insight into backstage action.
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4. "The Gravity Between Us " Kristen Zimmer
Kendall Bettencourt is only 19 years old, but she's already one of Hollywood's hottest stars. But you can almost hear her listening to Britney Spears' "Lucky" on repeat, because underneath all the glitz and glamor, she's just a regular girl who wants a life away from the spotlight. To help stabilize her and get her out of her funk, Kendall moved her best friend Payton to live with her in Los Angeles. It's just that Payton has been hiding something: She's always wanted her and her best friend to be more than just friends.
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5. Good Behavior by Dahlia Adler
When it comes to romance, Dahlia Adhler is a YA/NA force . Her latest entry in the Radley University series was undoubtedly highly anticipated by many fans and it did not disappoint. (Don't worry, it doesn't matter which order you read the story in.) The story is very cute, and it doesn't rely on bullying or as a storytelling device. Instead, it makes young women feel happy and in love, and is a joy to read. Frankie Bellisario has never been a monogamist, but once she meets a completely unexpected woman: Samara Kazarian, the daughter of a Republican southern mayor , this situation may change.
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6. "Homeland" by Radcliffe
Themes of the environment, sustainability and organic farming make this romance novel particularly relevant in the modern era. Tess Rogers always fantasized about inheriting her family's 600 acres of pristine farmland to raise a line of organic dairy cows, but when the time came, she found her dream began to slip away. Meanwhile, R. Clayton “Clay” Sutter was just trying to advance her career by helping NorthAm Fuel open a new shale refinery in the Tess area. In The Notebook fashion, Clay finds herself traveling back in time, to Tess's farm, where she and Tess spent a magical summer when she was a teenager filled with love and desire. But can Tess forgive Clay for disappearing all those years ago, especially now that their motives are so opposed?
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7. "I Can't Think Straight" by Shamim Sarif
In this sweet love story, West End London and Middle Eastern high society collide with two women who never thought their lives would lead to each other. Palestinian Tara is preparing for her upscale Christian wedding when she meets Leila, a Muslim Londoner who is dating her best friend. The chemical reaction is immediate and fiery. But, well, Tara is supposed to get married. Needless to say, there's a clash of traditions and cultures, and the whole "should I get married" thing, but this is still a fun, romantic story that at its core is about two women trying to find their way.
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8. "The Comeback" by Julie Blair
The best thing about "The Comeback" (okay, one of the best things) is that the characters don't suffer from trauma or identity issues about being lesbians, as so many novels often depict them as the sticking point. s story. Instead, the story doesn't hinge on whether or not they are women who like other women, what matters is that they are human beings. Jazz pianist Liz Randall loses her wife to cancer; Jac Winters loses his sight in a tragic accident. Can these two come together to help each other heal and find a new path in life?
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Starting August 1st, Bustle is hosting Romance Fiction Month , a celebration and examination of the romance novel genre. But don’t worry, romance readers: The coverage doesn’t end in August. We're proud to support romance novels, and we'll continue to do so year-round.
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