The Rec League: Queer Communities
This Rec League comes from Will. Thanks, Will! I’m looking for a recommendation of a queer romance novel (ideally f/f or m/m or trans) with great side characters. I’d love a book with the feeling that the side characters have their own lives and their own stories. Bonus points if they don’t ship the main couple, get bored when the main character talks about their love life or are so occupied with their own problems they don’t let the mc get a word in edgewise. Quirky or deeply strange side characters are also good. Sarah: The first series that pops in my mind is Queers of La Vista by Kris Ripper. If I recall, there’s a lovely evolving group of friends in the five books. Lumberjanes for sure sure because camp! A | BN | K | AB Julian Winters’ books would definitely work, especially Summer of Everything and Running with Lions. Elyse: Miffy and Alex in Boyfriend Material although their part is small, it’s hilarious Sarah: Oh the superhero series that Carrie liked. Not Your Sidekick by CB L
This Rec League comes from Will. Thanks, Will!
I’m looking for a recommendation of a queer romance novel (ideally f/f or m/m or trans) with great side characters. I’d love a book with the feeling that the side characters have their own lives and their own stories. Bonus points if they don’t ship the main couple, get bored when the main character talks about their love life or are so occupied with their own problems they don’t let the mc get a word in edgewise. Quirky or deeply strange side characters are also good.
Sarah: The first series that pops in my mind is Queers of La Vista by Kris Ripper. If I recall, there’s a lovely evolving group of friends in the five books.
Lumberjanes for sure sure because camp!
Julian Winters’ books would definitely work, especially Summer of Everything and Running with Lions.
Elyse: Miffy and Alex in Boyfriend Material although their part is small, it’s hilarious
Sarah: Oh the superhero series that Carrie liked.
Lara: I absolutely adored the side characters in Cat Sebastian’s London Highwaymen series. Read them close together though because they’re deeply interwoven.
Sarah: Yes! That’s a great rec.
And a lot of KJ Charles’ books involve friends, family, and characters who try to manage the others in loving ways
Tara: One Last Stop‘s side character game is really strong, although some people had mixed feelings about how much the found family was doing for the lead.
Off Limits by Vanessa North ( A | BN | K ) is another great one, especially since one of the leads is in a band. Anything by Robin Alexander tends to have hilarious side characters. I would start with Just Jorie or Always Alex, especially if you love sassy grandmothers.
Melissa Brayden also has a couple of series I enjoyed that have groups of friends who find love. One of them starts with the book Kiss the Girl and the other with Eyes Like Those, both of which are among my favourites of hers.
Shana: I know I keep recommending For Her Consideration ( A | BN | K ) for every rec league, but I just love it so much! The main character has a group of queer LA friends who are loving but totally willing to call her out, and they all have their own life stuff. But the most scene stealing character is probably her extra fabulous elderly aunt.
I think a Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall has exceptionally hilarious and memorable side characters. I loved the heroine’s sister in law and her feminist group of friends.
And in How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole the heroines spend the middle of the book on a cargo ship filled with memorable misfits. I remember wanting all of them to have their own book.
Which books would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
What's Your Reaction?
