#lesbian fiction
Book Rec: The Dingo Dilemma, A Kylie KendallMystery
Kylie may still be a private eye in training, and she may still be reeling by the secret her business partner finally revealed to her. But nothing can compare to her family’s interference, even from far-away Australia. When her mother asks Kylie to check in on “distant” relative Doug “Dingo” O’Rourke, who has landed a TV gig in Los Angeles, Kylie realizes she has no choice but to do so. Dingo, though, wants nothing to do with an interfering private investigator, despite the fact that something dreadful is worrying him.
Kylie Kendall mysteries are fun, quick reads. I was fond of Kylie as soon as I started reading the previous book, and became invested in her romance with Arianna just as immediately. Fortunately, that relationship moves forward in a satisfying way this time around (though I will be happier when they become more official).
Kylie’s supporting cast–though some are purposefully grating–manage to all grow on you in their own ways. The extra focus on her eccentric family is a cute addition, and I’d definitely like to see more of them in the future.
Though I enjoyed The Quokka Question, The Dingo Dilemma was a much better experience, and really solidified my interest in staying with this series.
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Lesbian genre fiction is vital. Literary fiction about lesbians is important, but you’re far more likely to find Tragic Lesbians there–women who die for loving women, or who never find someone to love them back. But in lesbian genre fiction, we can actually find many of the stories that we don’t usually get to have.
Being reflected and having positive and varied narratives you can see yourself in is absolutely necessary. Stories about lesbians as detectives, warriors in fantastical lands, or explorers sailing through space are important. Stories where women get to be together and happily stay together are important. It’s essential that lesbians are not tied only to brutal realities. We deserve to be able to imagine ourselves joyful, and to imagine ourselves as heroes.
Getting to see women like me in stories makes it so much easier to see myself in a happy future, and we all deserve that. These books are sustenance in this heterosexual wasteland.
Lesbian genre fiction keeps women alive. It gives hope and possibilities where we have been denied that. It widens the world for young lesbians who feel like their fates are vague and bleak, and there are few things more important than that.
Book Rec: The Killing at the Cat
The Killing at the Cat presents a lesbian community I definitely like and recognize. Starring Lexi Hyatt, a journalist, and eventual detective, the plot revolves around the mystery of a murder committed at her favorite lesbian bar, The Cat. The Cat’s usual patrons and workers make up the book’s central cast, a diverse group of close knit women.</p>
Lexi Hyatt is new to detective work (having become a reporter after leaving her job as a teacher due to the homophobia in that environment), but adapts to it quickly, her dedication to her community driving her. I’m looking forward to watching her grow as a reporter and detective, and seeing if Lexi will find a passion for solving mysteries that meets or surpasses her love for her lost career as an educator. I’m definitely invested in continuing this series.
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Lesbian Pulp Novels with Happy Endings, Part Two
It’s a myth that all lesbian pulp novels ended tragically, with one of the women dying or going mad and the other marrying a man. Happy endings (where two women end up together) were uncommon, but appeared in books throughout the pulp era.
Here are seven from the last decade of pulp. Free links to the texts have been provided where available.
See part one here.
1.These Curious Pleasures by Sloane Britain, 1961.
“Sloane works as a secretary to a New York television producer. She lives in the Village and enjoys cruising the bars at night for one-night stands with women she doesn’t know. She has a few part-time lovers, but hasn’t found the woman who would steal her heart … until she meets Allison, a young actress.” [link]
2.The Jealous and the Free by March Hastings, 1961.
This novel follows Michele, an inexperienced lesbian, and her budding relationship with her roommate Leda, and her difficulties in finding her way as a butch lesbian. [link]
3.The Sex Between by Randy Salem, 1962.
“Lee is a butch woman with many conquests under her belt. She pursues other women with abandon and has lesbian lovers all over town. Her only problem? No matter who she is with, she can’t stop thinking of Maggie. Maggie is sweet on Lee, too, but the matriarch of her family, Kate, has decided Maggie must marry in order to produce an heir to the family fortune. Lee knows she has fallen in love with Maggie, but the thought of giving up her freewheeling ways frightens her. Will Lee admit her feelings for Maggie in time to stop the wedding? Will Maggie defy her grandmother and give up a fortune for a chance at love and happiness with Lee?” [link]
4.Forbidden Sex by Joan Ellis, 1963.
Jean is a secretary in the film industry who supports her lying and philandering husband full time. She’s tired of her unhappy marriage. When she meets an actress called Lee sparks fly, but Lee’s feelings are more than friendly. How will Jean react when Lee reveals her true feelings, and can Lee put love ahead of her career? [link]
5.Return to Lesbos by Valerie Taylor, 1963.
This steamy sequel to Stranger on Lesbos finds Frances, the heroine, stuck in an abusive marriage. She has given up on love when she meets Erika in a bookstore. Both have been damaged by life - can they find the strength to love again? [link]
6.Unlike Others by Valerie Taylor, 1963.
Jo has just ended a relationship with another woman, and decided she is going to focus on her career and stay away from women. Then she meets Betsy at work and all her resolutions go out the window. But Betsy is dating their boss, Stan … [link]
7.Journey to Fulfillmentby Valerie Taylor, 1963.
Erika, a Jewish survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, is adopted into a U.S. family. In the United States she is free to meet women and to explore her butch identity. A prequel to the Erika Frohmann series (Stranger on Lesbos,Return to LesbosandA World Without Men). [link]
(Please note: These books were written at a time when lesbian relationships were taboo in the United States and may reflect prejudices of the era. They may also contain confronting themes like violence against women).
Source:The Lesbian Pulp Fiction Project
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Lesbian Pulp Novels with Happy Endings, Part One
Pulp novels were a lifeline for many gay and bisexual women in the 50s and 60s, a place to see themselves reflected and know they weren’t alone. Although tragic endings were a genre staple, it’s a myth that all lesbian pulp novels ended unhappily. Happy endings were rare, but even at the beginning of the pulp era, books were published where two women were together and happy at the end.
Here are eight from the first two decades of the pulp period. Free links to the texts provided where available.
1.The Strange Path (Torchlight to Valhalla) by Gale Wilhelm, 1938.
“Morgen Teutenberg is an introverted 21-year-old woman nursing her dying father Fritz. She meets a handsome young man who is smitten with her despite her lack of enthusiasm. Then a childhood friend moves back into the street and new feelings are awakened.” [link]
2.Diana, The Story of a Strange Love(Diana, a Strange Autobiography)by Diana Fredericks, 1939.
A thinly veiled autobiography, Diana is the story of a woman coming to terms with her lesbianism through a series of failed and eventually successful relationships. Julie Abraham, in an introduction to a 1995 reprinting says, “It offers a defense of lesbian relationships that was unprecedented in 1939 and radical for decades afterwards.”
3.The Price of Saltby Patricia Highsmith writing as Claire Morgan, 1952.
“A chance encounter between two lonely women leads to a passionate romance in this lesbian cult classic.” [link]
4.Odd Girl [Originally titled Anne Loves Beth] by Artemis Smith, 1959.
A love triangle and a mistaken marriage leads a woman to discover her true desires. [link]
5.Another Kind of Love by Paula Christian, 1959.
Laura Garraway, after being spurned by her Hollywood lover, flees to New York City where she finally finds a place where she belongs. [link]
6.The Girls in 3-Bby Valerie Taylor, 1959.
“Three young women move to Chicago and room together; each wants to emancipate herself from smalltown mores. Valerie Taylor skillfully paints a sociological portrait of the emotional and economic pitfalls of heterosexuality in 1950s America—and then offers a defiantly subversive alternative.” [link]
7.Edge of Twilightby Paula Christian, 1959.
Stewardess Val Macgregor lives a wild life, until she meets Toni, the new stewardess, and must come to terms with new feelings.
8.The Dark Side of Venus by Shirley Verel, 1960.
“A story of two women who defied the conventions of society for the only kind of love that could fulfill them.”
(Please note: These books were written at a time when lesbian relationships were taboo in the United States and may reflect prejudices of the era. They may also contain confronting themes like violence against women).
Source:The Lesbian Pulp Fiction Project
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A tangled web ensnares an unlikely group of New Yorkers unaware that they are connected, from cops to criminals to corporate shills, in this thrilling tale…
New York City Detective Lily Sparr is stunned when she is inexplicably moved to the very same precinct that once upon a time handled her own father’s murder. There, she is assigned to the case of a women’s motorcycle club which has been committing acts of violence all over the city. Despite missing her former partner, Miri, and fighting the ghosts of her past, Lily dedicates herself to the case, unaware that her own sister is mixed up in the swirl of violence and chaos.
After secretly reopening the file on her father’s death, Lily slowly unravels threads of history, discovering that both cases lead to corruption and betrayal at the highest levels.
Featuring an ensemble of characters as diverse as its New York City setting, Loud Pipes Save Lives is a thriller-mystery with a twist of queer representation.
This is author Jennifer Giacalone’s (@jen_giacalone on twitter) debut novel. Jennifer recently took 3rd Place in the Bucks County Short Fiction Contest with her short story, “Les Masques.”
Loud Pipes Save Lives is available for $2.99 or for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
GET IT NOW: http://getbook.at/loudpipes
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- Ice Massacre, page 97 | Read the comic on Tapas
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Please vote for us in the Canadian Sequential Magazine Awards! Ice Massacre is nominated for “Best Graphic Novel” and Tiana Warner as “Favorite Author”: https://www.survio.com/survey/d/smavote2020
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Ok so, though I’m somewhat loathe to admit it, I’m strugglinga bit financially at the moment. And, rather than ask for crowd funding with like a gofundme or something (not that there’s anything wrong with that, just not my style) can I just ask you guys for some help with promoting my book, The Chronicles of Arenacea?
The Chronicles of Arenacea is a wlw fantasy novel and here’s a quick synopsis: Zeteria is the first woman to be warrior caste in over 500 years. Her world is harsh and unyielding, filled with fights to the death in an arena for the “glory” of the lord of her house. The noble caste is all powerful, treating women and the other castes as slaves. Zee’s life changes when she meets Tessimi, a noble born woman who has become servant caste due to the fact that she’s, as of yet, unmarried. In their world, love between two women is punishable by death. But that won’t stop Zeteria and Tessimi from fighting for a way to be together.
So, can I ask that you guys reblog this to signal boost? Even if you aren’t into reading books or don’t particularly enjoy fantasy or wlw books, someone you follow might and that would help me out a ton.
Also, if you do buy it and like it, please leave me a review! Reviews are critical for writers, especially independent writers since reviews help attract more readers. More reviews also gives Amazon more incentive to promote my book.
The book is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook, iTunes iBooks,Barnes and Noble Nook,Smashwords,Scribd, Kobo and more all as an ebook.
This is absolutely incredible and has never happened before - also, it makes us really proud. Three of our books are in the top 4 at Amazon.com in the lesbian romance category.
https://www.amazon.com/…/bestse…/digital-text/6487835011
Congrats to Jae and Roslyn Sinclair.
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May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
On May 17, 1990 the World Health Organization finally declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The theme for the IDAHOBIT 2022 is: “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights”
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Finally! Book one and two of The Carlisle series by Roslyn Sinclair are now available through all platforms as ebook and paperback.
[Get them here]
What happens when the world’s fiercest fashion editor learns she’s pregnant—and her distracting assistant is the only one she can turn to? This wildly popular age-gap lesbian romance mixes humor and chaos with self-discovery.
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On May 15 (Sunday) we’ll offer another free e-book in the Ylva Store.
We know that times are still hard and that we all are in desperate need of fun, escape, or whatever.
If you don’t want to miss out on the free e-book, subscribe to our newsletter:
https://www.ylva-publishing.com/subscribe/
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We’re scribbling a massive discount on the price of ice queen romance Paper Love. Penned by Jae, it‘s just 99c at Amazon from May 10 to May 14.
Grab it here: mybook.to/PaperLove
This enemies-to-lovers sapphic novel follows a hot executive tasked with saving her uncle’s failing stationery shop and a feisty employee fighting her changes.
Out Now and available through KU: Perks of Office by Australian debut author Liz Rain.
When your new boss is hot as hell, what hope is there for a poor lovestruck office worker? A light-hearted, age-gap lesbian office romance with sexual tension leading the polls.
[Get it here]
After high-powered politician Bridget O’Keefe sweeps into the uninspiring life of Australian electorate officer Emma Ives, nothing is the same again.
Hapless, hopeless Emma is smacked with an instant crush on the polished woman who’s her new boss…her hot, untouchable, straight boss. Yes, she knows she’s an idiot because unrequited lust at work is a terrible idea. Even so, she can dream.
One long night changes everything. A political scandal leads to a fall from grace and Emma suddenly finds herself the one Bridget turns to for comfort. There’s a lot for Emma to wrap her mind around, even as her body loves wrapping itself around Bridget’s curves.
Is it just a meaningless night of passion, nothing more? Because there’s absolutely no way ambitious, beautiful Bridget wants anything more from Emma. Is there?
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We’re scribbling a massive discount on the price of ice queen romance Paper Love. Penned by Jae, it‘s just 99c at Amazon from May 10 to May 14.
Grab it here: mybook.to/PaperLove
This enemies-to-lovers sapphic novel follows a hot executive tasked with saving her uncle’s failing stationery shop and a feisty employee fighting her changes.
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Big congrats to Ylva authors shortlisted for Goldie Awards!
Contemporary Romance Mid Length finalists include Jae (Chemistry Lessons) + Quinn Ivins (Worthy of Love). Wendy Hudson is in the Romantic Blend mix for The Island Between Us.
Full list: https://goldencrownliterarysociety.org/2022-goldie-finalists
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![The E-Book is now available: Above all Things by Roslyn Sinclair.[Get it here]The Carlisle saga con](https://64.media.tumblr.com/a0f3c182453235d7380ea7aee4edf6de/ea8a66ebc0f02f86-e5/s1280x1920/41ac3c2a6b29fdc720e7268a86460d7f5941213f.jpg "The E-Book is now available: Above all Things by Roslyn Sinclair.[Get it here]The Carlisle saga con")
The E-Book is now available: Above all Things by Roslyn Sinclair.
[Get it here]
The Carlisle saga continues…
Aspiring writer Jules Moretti and iconic fashion editor Vivian Carlisle have been through the wringer.
As Vivian’s personal assistant, Jules was there for her ice queen boss’s whims, commands, and the shocking discovery of her pregnancy. Just as shocking was Jules’s realization that she was falling hard for Vivian…and that the feeling was mutual.
Now Jules is forging her own path. At the same time, how can she and her workaholic lover balance romance in the midst of backstabbing bosses, meddling families, and the impending arrival of a baby? Will their explosive chemistry fizzle, or can they take their relationship to a new level of passion—and commitment?
Above All Things is the second part of the two-book Carlisle series. This age-gap lesbian romance is a steamy tale of discovery, desire, and the rewards of opening yourself up to love.
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A look into our WLW publishing house
So great to see Her Royal Happiness by Lola Keeley mentioned as one of the New LGBTQ+ Romances to Read for Pride on Goodreads!
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Stoner and part of the Ylva Team are enjoying a day at the beach
We hope you have a sunny day too.Post link
WLW Book Recs: Great Beginnings Pt. 13
Read with your ears: House of Agnes by Fiona Zedde
[Get it here]
Agnes Noble is private, mysterious, and untouchable. She rules House of Agnes, the most exclusive escort agency on the East Coast, with a diamond fist. Crossing her is a mistake no one makes twice.
Investigative reporter Lola Osbourne is not afraid. She’s gunning for the House and its so-called queen. She’ll make sure no other innocent gets dragged into Agnes’s alluring web, to be used and discarded the way Lola’s sister was.
But her plan to get close to the elusive madam shatters the moment her eyes meet the Queen’s. One look and everything’s different. More complicated. Dangerous.
Now, Lola’s not just fighting to topple a queen from her throne, she’s also scrambling to escape their explosive collision with her suddenly vulnerable heart intact-
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WLW Book Recs: Ice Queen Romance Pt. 2
WLW Book Recs: Great Beginnings Pt. 12
Coming in October: Reaction Time by Australian author Emily O'Beirne.
[Check it out here]
City girl Luce May’s first year out of high school has been the worst. When she escapes her turbulent life in Sydney to start over at a university in the middle of nowhere, the last thing she wants is anyone in her new life to know of her past. Especially that to escape her chaotic, alcoholic mother, Luce also had to abandon her teenage sister.
As Luce slowly starts to find another version of herself in this place, she also finds a new family in her eclectic group of friends. She even begins to find solace and possibility in her budding relationship with Eva, the girl who loves trees so much she travelled across the world to live among them.
But when Luce’s sister back home starts to follow Luce’s own wild footsteps, and Luce’s guilt starts to grow, she finds it harder to keep her old and new worlds apart. Can Luce find a way to embrace this new life and take care of her family without returning to her old destructive ways?
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