A romance series has to have some kind of connective tissue. Maybe the protagonists are members of the same stupendously attractive family. Or they play on the same stupendously attractive sports team. Or they’re the heirs to a variety of fictional monarchies, descended from stupendously attractive lineages…you get the gist. But my favorite kind of romance novel foundation is the group of friends. Whether they’re drunkenly getting married to guys they met in Vegas or coping with affairs of state, romance novel BFFs are there for each other no matter what.
I love a friendship novel of any kind, from sweeping literary fiction to twisty mysteries. But romance novels that feature a vibrant, loving group of friends are some of my favorites. They make the world of the book feel more real and the main characters more grounded in it. They introduce some delightful found family elements, especially in queer romance. They set the stage for all kinds of hijinks and fun. And it doesn’t hurt that they usually provide sequel bait.
Here are three series I would highly recommend with strong friendship elements:
Written in the Stars series by Alexandria Bellefleur: This series of queer romances set in Seattle is an all-time favorite of mine. It starts with Written in the Stars, where a free-spirited astrologer and an uptight actuary end up fake dating after a near-disastrous first date. One of the things I love so much about the series is seeing how Darcy and Elle’s friend groups merge over the course of the next two books. There’s hilarious text threads, cutthroat game nights, and eventful ski trips. It’s a warm, cozy series, full of people with a lot of love for each other, sparkly prose, and a perfectly rendered Pacific Northwest setting. (Open door, high steam.)
Hell’s Belles series by Sarah MacLean: Because nothing says friends for life like righting wrongs and taking down powerful men together. There’s two books in this series so far, with two more to come, and they all revolve around the Hell’s Belles, a quartet of women secretly dispensing justice and protecting the women of London. It’s so dramatic and so much fun and I yearn for this to be turned into a TV show now that Bridgerton has paved the way. The women of this series have each other’s back through the little things and the big ones and seeing them scheme together is a pure delight. (Open door, high steam.)
The Boyfriend Project series by Farrah Rochon: This series starts with three women discovering that they’re all dating the same guy and, after a video of them confronting him goes viral, becoming best friends. I love the way that Samiah, Taylor, and London support each other and some of my favorite scenes in the series are just them bonding over takeout or meeting up for brunch. Rochon writes excellent emotional arcs for all her characters and really shines when it comes to showing how not just the individual romances, but the central friendship, have changed each of these women’s lives. (Open door, moderate steam.)
Currently reading: The Fiancee Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur. Modern-day marriage of convenience meets rich people drama, with a side of opposites attract, and wonderfully eccentric side characters. I’m having a great time.
What’s bringing me joy this week:
Appropriately, time with friends. I was traveling this weekend and got to finally have an in-person catch-up with my best friend, with a side of some really excellent cocktails.
Restocking all of my favorite blends from Mem Tea. I deliberately left extra space in my suitcase so I could bring some back with me. Their Blue Flower Earl Grey is quite possibly the best Earl Grey I’ve ever tasted in my life?
Meeting the very best dog. I am in no way ready to have a dog of my own but excel at showering other people’s with affection.