Books matching: romance and identity
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, emotional YA novel with a magical twist on time and love - worth reading if you’re here for the feels, but may not satisfy fans of tightly plotted sci-fi or those hoping for a tidy ending.
Natalie, a recent high school graduate, has been visited by a woman she calls Grandmother since childhood, who gives her a cryptic warning about saving someone in the upcoming summer. As Natalie tries to decipher this message, she starts seeing people others can't, including Beau, with whom she forms a deep connection. The novel explores themes of first love, loss, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all intertwined with a touch of time travel and alternate dimensions. The story weaves together elements of romance, friendship, family, and Native American culture, creating a unique and captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
“Wake up, Natalie,” she whispers, but she knows I’m awake—if a fly buzzed in the hallway, I’d wake up—just like she knows the drooling, snoring rug of a Saint Bernard at the foot of my bed, the watchd...2016•416 pages - #2
Save:In 'Called to the Deep', Desiree M. Niccoli weaves a tale of merfolk impacted by human life and pollution, offering a thought-provoking message without overshadowing the story. The book follows Lorelei, a part of a species of carnivorous mermaids, as she navigates her identity and the conflicts that arise from her relationship with fisherman Killian. The dual POV narrative delves into Lorelei's survivor's guilt and her blossoming romance with Killian, creating an atmospheric and swoon-worthy seaside horror story with steamy scenes and satisfying reveals along the way. The author's careful world-building and character development bring depth to the story, making it a quick and exciting read for fans of mermaid tales and urban fantasy.
September 2022•344 pages - #3
Save:Beatrice, a newly married woman, flees from her husband and seeks refuge with her friends, Jacquie and Nora, where she meets Lady Georgina, who identifies as both male and female. As Beatrice and Georgina fall in love, they face the dilemma of whether to risk their secrets for a chance at happily ever after. The book explores themes of gender identity, love, acceptance, and societal expectations through a slow-burn regency romance featuring a bisexual bigender couple.
The party to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Miss Beatrice Everson and the Earl of Sinclair was sadly below average. At least, that was Beatrice’s opinion. For all she knew of the earl, maybe he co...August 2021•237 pages - #4
Save:A smart, self-aware romance best enjoyed in audiobook form, especially for fans of witty banter, nuanced characters, and a loving send-up of romance tropes - just be prepared for some emotional punches along the way.
Thank You For Listening is a story that delves into the lives of two audio book narrators, Sewanee and Brock McNight, who are both struggling with personal challenges. The plot revolves around their broken circumstances and the efforts of the secondary characters to help them heal. The book touches on themes of family, friendship, love, and the struggles of the entertainment industry, particularly the world of audiobooks. The writing style is described as poignant, witty, and engaging, with a mix of humor and emotional depth that keeps readers invested in the characters and their journey.
THINGS WERE HEATING UP WITH NO POSSIBILITY OF COOLING DOWN. Not this time. She could see it in his eyes. His pupils were throbbing. The gentleman of the last three weeks was gone. He was now anything...August 2022•427 pages - #5
Save:In "Heiress Gone Wild" by Laura Lee Guhrke, the story revolves around Jonathan Deverill, who is asked to be the guardian of his late friend's daughter, Marjorie. As Jonathan returns to England from America, he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery and emotional turmoil as he navigates his feelings for Marjorie and grapples with his own past decisions. Marjorie, a young woman eager to experience life outside the confines of her school, challenges Jonathan's expectations and brings humor, charm, and sensuality to their interactions. The book explores themes of family, love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships during the Victorian era.
Laura Lee Guhrke crafts a moving tale with strong but flawed characters in a slow burn, page-turning romance that delves into the struggles faced by Marjorie and Jonathan as their chemistry ignites and questions their predetermined paths. The story unfolds with emotional depth as Jonathan reevaluates his desires and goals, while Marjorie navigates the unfamiliar territory of society and love, creating a captivating narrative filled with humor, charm, and sensual moments.
The office of Forsyte Academy’s headmistress was a plain room of distempered gray walls and Shaker furnishings, and though it was far less ostentatious than the upper middle-class British household in...September 2019•346 pages
(Also, see 77 recommendations for the series Dear Lady Truelove ) - #6
Save:Peter Darling is a beautifully written, imaginative, and emotionally honest retelling of Peter Pan with a trans protagonist at its heart. While not perfect in its execution, it offers a fresh, queer perspective on a classic tale - making it a must for fans of retellings, LGBTQ+ stories, or anyone curious to see Neverland in a whole new light.
'Peter Darling' by Austin Chant is a retelling of Peter Pan where Peter and Hook, both fleeing from past traumas, find solace in Neverland. Peter, who is transgender and rejected by his family, and Hook, grieving his past, embark on a journey to seek something real amidst the whimsical distractions of Neverland. The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, with a unique twist on the original Peter Pan story, making it a captivating read for those looking for a heartfelt and poignant tale with elements of romance and fantasy.
"Of course," Peter said easily. He had swum through the ocean of stars, following Tink's directions to the second star on the right. They had burst out into a storm above the island and danced along t...February 2017•220 pages - #7
Save:A stunningly written, magical coming-of-age love story full of heart and color, but best for those who like languid prose and open-ended magic - definitely recommended for fans of magical realism, queer narratives, and beautiful writing.
When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore is a beautifully written magical realism story about two best friends who fall in love - Sam, a transgender boy, and Miel, a girl who grows roses from her wrists. The book explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, with a storyline that is a mix of romance and magical elements, leaning more towards magical realism than fantasy. McLemore's writing style is described as lush, transformative, and filled with magnetic characters, creating a dreamy and soft atmosphere that draws readers into the world of the characters.
It didn’t matter how many nights they’d met on the untilled land between their houses; the last farm didn’t rotate its crops, and stripped the soil until nothing but wild grasses would grow. It didn’t...October 2016•289 pages - #8
Save:A light, fun, and spirited romance on the high seas with a spunky heroine - great for fans of Meg Cabot’s humor, though probably not for purists of historical fiction or those wanting deep realism.
'An Improper Proposal' by Meg Cabot follows the story of Payton Dixon, a young woman raised on ships by her three older brothers, who is infatuated with Captain Connor Drake, her brothers' friend and ship captain. The plot revolves around Payton's unconventional upbringing and her unrequited love for Drake, who is set to marry another woman. As the story unfolds, readers witness Payton's struggle to navigate societal expectations and her own desires, leading to a series of dramatic and humorous events. The writing style is described as witty, fast-paced, and entertaining, with a focus on the unconventional gender roles and the charm of a strong, capable heroine.
“Bleeding turn.” Hudson, holding his chin up, had to look down the slopes of his high cheekbones to see his little sister as she worked on his necktie, and then he only saw the top of her head. “Wait...November 1999•344 pages - #9
Save:An important, emotional read with meaningful representation - perfect for those wanting empathy and insight, but the execution might not land for everyone.
'I Wish You All the Best' by Mason Deaver is a powerful and important YA novel that follows the story of Ben, a nonbinary teen who gets kicked out by their parents after coming out. Ben moves in with their estranged sister and begins a new life in North Carolina. The book delves into Ben's struggles with anxiety, depression, and the challenges of coming out, all while navigating new relationships and finding acceptance. The writing style is emotional and impactful, focusing on themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of recognizing and respecting one's identity.
Mom plucks the plate from in front of me, with most of my dinner still on it, untouched. I’d taken maybe one or two bites before it fell into my stomach like a rock and what little appetite I’d had to...May 2019•337 pages - #10
Save:How to Sell Your Blood & Fall in Love by D.N. Bryn is a romantic novel that follows the story of Clem, a vampire who works at a pharmaceutical company that experiments on his kind. Despite having to hide his true identity, Clem forms a unique relationship with Justin, a neighborhood protector with chronic pain. The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, with a focus on diverse representation and complex character dynamics. The writing style captures the emotional journeys of the characters, creating a story that is both intense and heartwarming.
He could feel the blood pulsing through the neck of the lab technician who sat three desks away from him. His gaze yanked to the exposed veins on her wrist as she tapped her pen. As though his fangs h...March 2023•493 pages
(Also, see 62 recommendations for the series Guides For Dating Vampires )
