the best lesbian romance novels

One great lesbian YA romance novel is 'Ash' by Malinda Lo. It's a retelling of Cinderella with a lesbian twist. The main character, Ash, falls in love with a female huntress. It beautifully captures the feelings of first love and the struggle to be true to oneself in a society with certain expectations.

One great lesbian historical romance novel is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's set in Victorian England and is full of twists and turns. The relationship between the two main characters is complex and gradually unfolds in a very engaging way. Another is 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It was quite revolutionary for its time, exploring a lesbian relationship in a 1950s setting. And 'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters as well. It tells a story of a young girl's journey into the world of the music hall and her relationships with other women in a historical context.

'Fanged Love' by [Author's Name]. This novel offers a unique take on lesbian vampire romance. It has a great blend of action, romance, and the supernatural. The characters are well - developed, and the love story between the two female protagonists is both passionate and complex.

One great December May lesbian romance novel is 'Carry the Ocean' by Heidi Cullinan. It beautifully portrays a relationship between two women with different backgrounds and personalities, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth.

One great lesbian romance novel is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's set in Victorian England and is full of mystery, intrigue, and a complex love story between two women. Another is 'Ash' by Malinda Lo, which is a retelling of the Cinderella story with a lesbian twist. And 'Carry the Ocean' by Heidi Cullinan is also very popular, as it delves deep into the relationship between two very different women and how they navigate love and life together.

A really good lesbian romance novel is 'Nevada' by Imogen Binnie. It's a story about a transgender woman's journey which also includes a lesbian relationship aspect. It's a very honest and raw look at modern relationships and identity. 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson is also highly recommended. It's semi - autobiographical and details the author's experiences growing up as a lesbian in a religious community, with a beautiful and unique writing style.

A relatively lesser - known but highly - rated one is 'The Gilda Stories' by Jewelle Gomez. It follows the story of Gilda, a vampire, and her relationships, including some with women. It offers a different perspective on vampire lore and lesbian relationships, exploring themes of identity, power, and community over time.

For beginners, 'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a great start. It's easy to read and the historical setting of the Victorian era is really interesting. The story of Nancy's exploration of her sexuality and her relationships with other women is very engaging.

The 'Carmilla' by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a classic lesbian romance - horror hybrid. It predates many modern lesbian romance novels and has influenced a lot of subsequent works. 'Annie on My Mind' by Nancy Garden is also a notable one. It's a coming - of - age story about two girls falling in love, and it was quite revolutionary when it was first published for its honest portrayal of a lesbian relationship. Then there's 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith, which was made into the movie 'Carol'. It beautifully captures the forbidden love between two women in a 1950s setting.

One great lesbian fantasy romance novel is 'Ash' by Malinda Lo. It's a retelling of Cinderella with a lesbian twist. The story beautifully weaves in elements of magic and self - discovery. Another is 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon, which features strong female characters and a richly detailed fantasy world where lesbian relationships are part of the complex tapestry of the story. And 'The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea' by Maggie Tokuda - Hall also stands out. It combines pirate adventures with a tender lesbian love story set against a unique nautical fantasy backdrop.