The era of burying our gays is over… or at least, it should be. While this particular trope has lessened in frequency over the years, getting into queer media, particularly lesbian or WLW media, can still feel like a gamble–will yet another gay character feel the brunt of real-world cruelty?
Below, I’d like to highlight four WLW romance novels that don’t end in total tragedy, because honestly, we deserve it.
- A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian
I love a nice feel-good romance novel, and A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian is definitely that. Street-smart lady’s maid and former thief Molly Wilkins has left her criminal days behind and is determined to keep things clean. But when Molly finds herself taken aback by her employer’s prim and proper companion, Alice, she finds it hard to keep her hands to herself–especially as Alice finds herself drawn to Molly’s impertinent mouth and past full of secrets.
- Most Ardently by Susan Mesler-Evans
A modern Pride and Prejudice retelling, but with lesbian and bisexual leads! It’s hate at first sight for Elisa Benitez and Darcy Fitzgerald, who unfortunately can’t always avoid each other due to Darcy’s best friend dating Elisa’s sister. But the more time the proud, sarcastic Elisa spends with the snobby and socially awkward heiress, the more her view of her—and the world—begins to change, taking us on a journey of pride, prejudice, and finding love in the least expected people.
- Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Alice has the perfect summer already planned out–marathoning her favorite TV shows, all-you-can-eat buffets, and working shifts at the library to make rent. Romance, however, is out of the question, after her most recent relationship ended with her ex coming as out asexual. Life proceeds as usual until Alice meets Takumi, who’s suddenly giving her romcom-grade butterflies! After her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn, Takumi becomes Alice’s shining knight in armor, and our protagonist has to decide if she’s willing to risk their friendship for a love that may fall apart, just like last time.
- Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
If you liked the movie The Handmaiden, you’ll love this novel. Sue Trinder is an orphan raised in the slums of Victorian London, who one day finds herself assisting a con man who plans to steal the inheritance of a wealthy heiress by the name of Maud Lilly. His plan? Get Sue to pose as a maid and convince Maud to marry the conman, so that her wealth may be shared by the entire enclave of thieves that raised Sue. But his plans backfire when a genuine romance develops between Maud and Sue, in this Dickensonian novel of “thrills” and “reversals”.
