Rainbow Reading List: The Best WLW Books to Add to Your 2023 TBR

Laura May’s novel, The One Woman, tells the story of Julie, a graphic designer who feels stuck in a stagnant relationship with her boyfriend Mark. Despite her creative talents, she finds herself going through the motions in both her personal and professional life. When Julie encounters Ann, a captivating and accomplished woman, something stirs within her that she hadn’t realized was absent.

Although there is an unmistakable bond between them, Julie is conflicted between her loyalty to Mark and her developing emotions for Ann. As their paths cross again in the romantic city of Barcelona, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. However, tragedy strikes, forcing Julie to confront the difficult choice between staying with Mark, the safe and familiar option, or pursuing a future with Ann, who represents a new and exciting path.

The One Woman explores the complexities of love and relationships, and the difficult decisions that must be made when our hearts and minds are in conflict. May’s writing delves deep into the emotional landscape of her characters, creating a rich and nuanced portrayal of their experiences. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with the question of whether or not to follow their heart, even if the timing seems all wrong.

In Camryn Garrett’s Friday I’m in Love, Mahalia Harris is a teenage girl with big dreams and even bigger ambitions. She longs for a Sweet Sixteen party like her best friend Naomi, and she wants the new girl in town, Siobhan, to notice her. But Mahalia’s life is far from easy, as she struggles with money, racism, and homophobia from her classmates and church community.

However, when the idea strikes her to throw a Coming Out Party, a celebration of her queer identity on her own terms, Mahalia is determined to make it happen. She works hard, takes on extra shifts at her after-school job, and spends hours preparing for the party of her dreams. But as the responsibilities pile up and the drama mounts, Mahalia begins to wonder if it’s all worth it.

Friday I’m in Love is a love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, black joy, and queer pride. It’s a novel about finding yourself, falling in love, and celebrating what makes you unique. Mahalia’s story is one that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, as she navigates the ups and downs of teenage life while staying true to herself and her beliefs.

Camryn Garrett’s writing is both heartfelt and funny, capturing the essence of growing up and finding your place in the world. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt different, but still believes in the power of love and community.

Morgan Lee Miller’s novel, The Hues of Me and You, tells the story of two women who are brought back together by fate after years of separation. Arlette Adair is the perfect daughter who has always followed the path that her parents have set for her. She is trapped in a relationship that lacks passion and a job she never wanted. Her father’s political campaign looms over her, tying her to the world of politics she longs to escape.

Brooke Dawson, on the other hand, is a free spirit who lives life on her own terms. As a struggling freelance artist and catering bartender, she hopes to make enough money to pay her rent. When she takes on a bartending gig at a high-society party, she never expects to run into Arlette, her former best friend and college crush who got away.

As they reconnect and reminisce about old times, Arlette and Brooke’s unresolved feelings for each other come to the surface. They dance around the biggest question: why didn’t they fall in love all those years ago? As they explore their attraction to one another, they must confront the challenges and expectations that come with their different lifestyles and backgrounds.

The Hues of Me and You is a compelling love story that explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and self-discovery. Miller’s writing is both poignant and evocative, capturing the essence of Arlette and Brooke’s journey as they navigate their feelings and desires. This novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered what could have been, and for those who believe in the transformative power of love.

In Your Driver Is Waiting, Priya Guns weaves a powerful and provocative tale about a young woman named Damani who is struggling to find her place in the world. Damani is exhausted from her daily routine of caring for her mother, driving ride shares to pay the bills, and feeling disillusioned with a world that has failed to live up to her expectations.

However, everything changes for Damani when she meets Jolene, a beautiful and attentive woman who seems to be the perfect girlfriend. Despite the fact that Jolene is white, Damani is drawn to her and their chemistry is undeniable. Jolene is liberal and seems to understand Damani’s struggles, and their relationship becomes an all-consuming obsession.

But Damani’s doubts about their relationship come to a head when Jolene does something unforgivable, setting off a chain of events that threatens to destroy everything Damani has worked for. The novel explores themes of anger, love, and privilege in all their messy forms, asking difficult questions about race, identity, and what it means to truly understand another person.

After twenty years of being a star, Eden Sands finds herself feeling more alone than ever. Her marriage has just ended, and her inner circle has dwindled. Despite being a musical icon, Eden’s last album failed to impress, and her upcoming tour is not selling as expected. Desperate to regain her star power, her team suggests a collaboration with Anna Moss, an up-and-coming young star. However, Eden is hesitant to work with a new artist.

Anna Moss is a rising pop star who has always idolized Eden Sands. When she receives an invitation to perform with Eden at the Grammys, it’s a dream come true. Tired of being perceived as only bubbly, Anna wants to be seen as a serious artist. Collaborating with Eden could be her chance to prove her worth.

As they rehearse, Anna and Eden discover they have more in common than just their musical abilities. They begin to question if their connection is only temporary or if it could be the start of a long-lasting romance that could inspire one of the greatest love songs of all time.

Stars Collide is a captivating novel about the power of music and the potential for love to blossom in unexpected places. Will Eden and Anna’s duet be just a fleeting moment of musical brilliance, or could it lead to a love story for the ages?

In conclusion, the world of WLW literature has come a long way, and there are many fantastic books out there that beautifully portray the experiences of women loving women. This list has highlighted some of the best WLW books to read this year.

Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the genre, these books are sure to provide you with hours of enjoyable reading and an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of WLW experiences. So grab a book, curl up in your favorite reading spot, and get ready to be swept away by these amazing stories. Happy reading!