The Iron Girl – Ellen Hart

I've read all of Hart's novels and while they are all well written, compelling and interesting stories, The Iron Girl is really, really good. A combination of danger, humor and romance kept me reading until the startling and satisfying conclusion.

This latest episode in the "Jane Lawless" series is more emotional and dramatic than anything Hart has done before. Ellen Hart has mastered the intricacies of serving plot and character in equal portions. The emotions are so real you'll find yourself drawn in and living the story.

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Kaleidoscope, a Carla McCarthy Adventure — Gretchen Stone

This novel is not easily pigeon-holed into any of the lesbian stereotypes. Although the story begins with a childhood friendship that inevitably turns into a summer romance it is not a coming-out story.

Years later three women start their day in various ways not realizing that their actions will lead to murder and kidnapping before the day is over. A tone of suspense is felt throughout the book and creates a need to know what happens next. The scenes of an American nurse in Vietnam were unexpected and gripping. Carla, BJ and Mimi are fun, flawed and likable characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Wild Dogs — Helen Humphreys

If you’ve ever loved a dog you’ll love this book. On the other hand, if you’ve ever loved a woman you’ll love this book. Once I started reading, I simply could not put the book down. Wild Dogs is a tale of wanting to belong; while showing us different ways of handling yearning and rejection. On the surface, it's about a group of people joined in a quest to recover their lost dogs. The dogs symbolize the futility of ownership (canine and human). A quote from the book that really grabbed me—" The heart is a wild and fugitive creature. The heart is a dog who comes home."

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Tipping the Velvet — Sarah Waters

This tale set in 1890’s London reminded me that 20th century lesbians did not invent kinky sex. This is an engrossing tale of a "tommish" woman looking for a life among sapphists and libertines.

The huge amount of research Ms. Waters has done is evident in the detailed setting of music halls and socialist demonstrations. Fascinating. Not Waters' newest but I think it is her best.

Also available as a DVD complete with great sex scenes. Look for a cameo appearance by an oversized dildo.