'Carmilla' is a well - known one. It was written a long time ago but still holds up as a classic lesbian romance. It has that gothic horror element combined with a relationship between two female characters.
'Leah on the Offbeat' is a great one too. It's a follow - up to 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' and focuses on Leah, who is bisexual. But it has a really sweet and engaging lesbian relationship storyline that's full of the normal teenage angst, family drama, and of course, love. It's a really relatable read for many.
I'm not sure which ones were the most popular exactly, but 'Ash' was quite well - received. It's a fantasy - inspired lesbian romance that combines elements of fairytales with a modern - day love story, which made it appealing to a wide range of readers.
'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is extremely popular. It tells the story of a young woman's journey through different relationships and her discovery of her own sexuality. The characters are well - developed and the Victorian setting adds a lot of charm.
Some popular lesbian books include 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson. It tells a story about a young girl growing up in a religious community and coming to terms with her sexual orientation.
One of the most popular is probably 'Carry the Ocean' by Heidi Cullinan. It's loved for its well - developed characters and their emotional journey.
Emotional depth is another key feature. Since they are romance novels, there are intense emotions involved. The relationships between the female characters are often filled with passion, love, but also the pain of misunderstanding or social obstacles. These elements together create a rich and engaging reading experience for those interested in lesbian - themed romance fiction.
I'd recommend 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit'. It's a really interesting look at growing up as a lesbian in a strict religious environment. It shows the main character's struggle against the norms of her community.
'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters is a great example. It has a complex plot full of mystery and a vivid portrayal of the relationship between the female characters.
'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith is also well - known. It's a story that explores the relationship between two women in a time when same - sex relationships were less accepted. It has been adapted into the movie 'Carol'.
One popular one is 'The Price of Salt' which has been around for a while but has gained more popularity recently. It was quite revolutionary for its time in portraying a lesbian relationship.