Best Lesbian Romance 2012

In Radclyffe’s fourth annual anthology of tales generally more tender than torrid, 17 authors explore many permutations of lesbian love: falling for a housemate (Cheyenne Blue’s “Rule 4”), lusting after a best friend (Catherine Paulssen’s “Misty and Me” and Geneva King’s “Note to Self”), and a purportedly straight woman making a move on her openly gay colleague (Radclyffe’s own “Training Op”). Of particular note is Sheree L. Greer’s lovely “A Prom Story in Three Parts,” the story of a young woman torn between what society deems acceptable and what her heart demands. The most overtly erotic tale is Theda Hudson’s endearing “What No One Else Has,” but it leavens corsetry and kink with deep feelings and sweetness. Many of these heroines would benefit from longer stories where readers could get emotionally invested in their budding relationships, but this is still an enjoyable collection with plenty of appeal. (Jan.)