Books Like...

When Katie Met Cassidy is a lesbian romance novel that follows the story of Katie, a straight woman fresh out of a breakup, who meets Cassidy, a powerful lawyer in a masculine suit. The book explores their unexpected attraction, self-discovery, and the challenges of questioning one's identity. Set in present-day New York City, the story delves into themes of love, lust, gender, and sexuality, providing a refreshing and real discussion on these topics. The plot bounces along at a fairly good clip, offering an engaging and romantic narrative that captivates readers with its sweet, funny, and sometimes sexy moments.

"Second Nature" by Jae in the series 'Shape-Shifter' tells the story of Griffin and Jorie, two protagonists from different species who must navigate forbidden love amidst life-threatening danger. The plot is thrilling and engaging, with a well-thought-out storyline that combines romance with adventure. The writing style is detailed and research-oriented, making the story believable and capturing the readers' attention from start to finish.

'Moribund' in the 'Circuit Fae' series by Genevieve Iseult Eldredge is an urban fantasy story following the dark winter fae Rouen and the summer fae sleeper princess Syl as they navigate a world threatened by the evil fae Agravaine. The story is filled with teen angst, love, action, adventure, and magic, with a touch of humor and a strong romantic element. The characters, including the no-nonsense mom armed with a powerful shotgun, are well-written and relatable, facing challenges that go beyond their fae identities. The plot moves at a fast pace, keeping readers engaged with a mix of action, magic, and high school drama.

'A Restless Truth' in the series 'The Last Binding' by author Freya Marske is a thrilling continuation that combines elements of magic, mystery, romance, and historical fiction. Set primarily on a ship over a limited number of days, the book follows Maud Blythe, a captivating character on a self-contained adventure that still carries the arc of the larger story. The plot unfolds with action-packed unravelling of mysteries, engaging character dynamics, and a touch of scandal and romance, all set against a backdrop of a magical and historical world.

The writing style of Freya Marske in 'A Restless Truth' is praised for its ability to create an engrossing and captivating story with characters that readers truly care about. The book is commended for its fast-paced narrative, intricate magic system, and the seamless blending of elements like magical spells, investigations, and historical settings. Readers appreciate the queer representation, the development of character relationships, and the overall excitement and anticipation the book builds towards the next installment in the series.

"The Raven and the Reindeer" by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of The Snow Queen, focusing on Gerta's journey to rescue Kay. The story delves into themes of agency, friendship, and self-discovery as Gerta navigates through adventures, encounters new friends like a sarcastic raven and a reindeer, and explores her own identity. The writing style is described as magical, immersive, and humorous, with well-developed characters and a classic fairy tale feel that captivates readers.

In the book 'Malice' by Heather Walter, readers are taken on a journey through a dark and enchanting reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The story follows Alyce, a Dark Grace with a unique blood magic that sets her apart from the other Graces in the land. As Alyce navigates her role as a feared outcast who is sought after for her dark powers, she forms an unexpected bond with Princess Aurora. Their relationship evolves amidst curses, secrets, and a quest to break Aurora's curse, leading to a twisty and sapphic fantasy narrative that delves into themes of power, love, and sacrifice. Walter's writing style is described as exquisite, with fantastic world-building, complex characters, and a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The Warrior's Path in the When Women Were Warriors series by Catherine M. Wilson is a beautifully rendered high fantasy novel that follows the journey of Tamras, a young woman who sets out to become a warrior in a matriarchal society. The plot weaves together elements of coming of age, self-discovery, and finding love amidst a backdrop of training, adventure, and fable-like stories. The writing style is described as enchanting, with vivid descriptions, excellent dialogue, and the incorporation of poetic phrases that draw the reader into the world of women warriors.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy follows the adventures of Felicity Montague, a determined young woman who aspires to become a doctor in a world that denies women such opportunities. Alongside her friends Sim and Johanna, Felicity embarks on a journey filled with pirates, dragons, and challenges that test her beliefs and abilities. The book explores themes of feminism, misogyny, imperialism, asexuality, and the complexities of female friendships, all while maintaining a balance between historical fiction and fantastical elements. The writing style is a blend of humor, adventure, and strong character development, with a focus on addressing important societal issues with grace and compassion.

'The Tiger's Daughter' by K. Arsenault Rivera is an Asian-inspired epic fantasy novel that follows the adventures of two princesses, Shefali and O Shizuka, who are destined for greatness together. The story is narrated through letters exchanged between the two characters, detailing their lives, challenges, and the development of their passionate and taboo relationship. The novel is set in a world reminiscent of early Chinese and Mongolian civilizations, rich with details that bring a unique and immersive setting to the epic fantasy genre. Despite the promise of a thrilling plot filled with demon-slaying and adventures, some readers found the storytelling method of long letters to kill the suspense and tension, leading to a slow-paced narrative lacking in urgency.

'Girl, Serpent, Thorn' by Melissa Bashardoust is a dark fantasy novel inspired by Persian mythology and fairy tales. The story follows Princess Soraya, cursed with poisonous skin, as she navigates the discovery of the true nature of her curse and the consequences that come with it. With unexpected twists and turns, alliances with demons, battles, and complex relationships, Soraya's journey to break the curse and face her inner demons makes for a rich and engaging narrative. The writing style is described as whimsical, traditional fairy tale-like, and rich in folklore, providing an immersive experience for readers.