Here, Queer, and In Love | 9.30.22
Three swoony queer stories
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. The mixed race son of the American president falls for the youngest prince and close in line heir to the British throne in this adorable enemies-to-lovers queer romance. The primary villain of this story is a Republican congressman! Fuck that guy! As much as I enjoyed this book, especially the epistolary sections where they’re exchanging emails and texts, I’m not a huge fan of this author’s prose style- I tried and failed to read another of their books before sinking into this one. I may revisit with fresh eyes, though, if any of you recommend I do!
Rating: 4/5
How hot? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake. Photographer and artist Delilah Green is broke, single, and lured home to photograph her estranged step sister’s wedding through a healthy dose of guilt and a promise of a much needed paycheck. While there, she reconnects with one of her sister’s bridesmaids, single mom and bookstore owner Claire Sutherland. A book about responsibility and ambition, art and commerce, small towns, loneliness, female solidarity, and the importance of communication.
Rating: 4/5
How hot? 🔥🔥🔥
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite. A sapphic historical romance between an aspiring astronomer and the master embroiderer widow of a prominent male explorer campaigning to make their way in the world and their respective industries of interest. The way Olivia Waite adapts the classic happily ever after for two women who weren’t able to officially marry is.... *lesbian chef’s kiss*
Rating: 4.5/5
How hot? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Book ratings are out of 5, for overall enjoyment and for steam/spice level. Any “how hot” rating with one or fewer 🔥 means there are no explicit sex scenes (though it doesn’t mean sex isn’t mentioned!)
Just for clarification: just because I’ve grouped these recommendations as three queer love stories doesn’t mean there aren’t other stories with queer protagonists that I loved, and doesn’t mean all other recommendations henceforth are heteronormative/heterosexual. But I’m always looking for new recs, especially WLW and bi protagonist stories! Leave ‘em in the comments!