Long title, right?? This is a trope that it’s more commonly found in Anime and Manga, even in movies.. but it is one that I find highly amusing.. particularly when it is a girl dressed up as a guy .. One of my favorite movies from the 80’s it’s Just One Of the Guys (corny I know— but so much fun) and another that I found hilarious even if a little silly It’s She’s the Man .. When I watch this I’m always thinking how can’t you tell that it is a girl… are you blind???
So I though that it would be an interesting trope to find book recommendations of … and let me tell you it wasn’t as easy as I thought… Mainly because I though that I had read more than I actually had (this happens a lot to me — I have trouble keeping my books straight in my head but I’m sure you know what that’s like).. so, I have Five–ish books to recommend and a couple of Mangas.. Let’s get to them…
All of these books have the premise of the Female Character having to dress up as a boy for one reason or another… Just to remind you..
Flame In the Mist – Renee Ahdieh
It is no secret — and if you have been following my blog for the past year — that this was one of my favorite books from 2017.. I love the setting (Medieval Japan) the story, the slight touch of magic, and even if it’s a little slow in the beginning and the romance is a little fast I didn’t mind.. and that”s saying a lot. Can’t wait for the Sequel!!!
Defy – Sara B. Larson
This is a book that you either love or hate.. I got a little bit stuck in the middle… It is an okay story if you want to pass the time and not having to think too much… Sometimes that is just the kind of read we need.
Scarlet – A. C. Gaughen
Kick ass Heroine? check, Robin Hood Retelling? check, Lots of adventure?? Check, Love Triangle?? Sadly but check — Not a fan of this but it was tolerable. A different kind of spin on a Classical story and I remember loving it when I first pick it up.
The Girl’s got Secret – Linda Kage
When some of these stories have me rolling my eyes when people fail to realise that the boy is actually a girl.. this one went a bit on the realistic side of things.. the girl uses prosthetics and a latex mask … intrigue?? then go and read the book…
From This Moment on – Lynn Kurkland
An oldie but a goodie… this is a slow burning romance in a medieval setting.. if you want to read some good historical check this one out.
Mangas
Kobayashi ga Kawai Sugite Tsurai – Ikeyamada, Go (Story & Art)
This is a completed Manga — it is a long one — but it’s a beautiful story about family, friendship and love… it is also hilarious because we have twins cross dressing and changing places…you can guess all the chaos that ensues..
Ai wo Utau yori Ore ni Oborero – Shinjou, Mayu (Story & Art)
In this manga, we do have a girl that dresses up as a boy, but the main reason I’m recommending this manga to you guys is Akira… the boy who dresses as a girl.. he is so adorably devious..
Buddy Go! – Kurosaki, Minori (Story & Art)
We have social media stardom, Dance competitions and a cute slow burning friends to lovers romance with so many hilarious moments.. it is worth checking out..
These are my girl cross dressing romances… hope you guys find here something that sparks your curiosity… If you have any other recommendations on this subject let me know in the comments below… I’m always looking for new books to add to my never ending TBR..
As Always
Happy Reading
This is my FAVORITE trope, bar none. Some more ideas for you:
YA Fantasy:
The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce
Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
YA contemporary:
The Academy by Emmaline Andrews and Evangeline Anderson
YA Historical Romance:
The Girl Who Was A Gentleman by Anna Jane Greenville
Historical Romance:
The Switch by Linsay Sands
How to Tame Your Duke by Juliana Gray (first in a series called A Princess in Hiding, each is about a princess undercover as a man)
Surprising Lord Jack by Sally MacKenzie
Duchess by Night by Eloisa James
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Ridiculous by D.L. Carter
Contemporary romance/chick lit:
Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman (strongly reminded me of She’s the Man)
Manga:
Kenka Bancho Otomi: Love’s Battle Royale by Chie Shimada
Hana-Kimi by Hisaya Nakajo
Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori
K-Drama:
Coffee Prince
Nail Shop Paris
You’re Beautiful
To the Beautiful You (based on the manga Hana-Kimi)
Ouran High School Host Club (J-Drama)
Hana Kimi Remake (J-Drama)
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Checking out your recs… I saw Ouran Host Club but the Anime and I miss the manga… will get on it asap…
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This is probably my favorite trope!! Thanks for the recs! I read Defy, but for the life of me don’t remember there being this trope? But like you said all the books get jumbled in my head. Haha I had mixed feelings about Scarlet, but I love female Robin hood stories in general!
The only book I can think of off the top of my head is Girl in Blue. It was one of my favorite books growing up! It was the first time I think that I encountered this trope?
I feel like I recently read a book like this, but I can’t think of it and it is going to bug me!
Also you are missing the best movie example!!! Mulan!!!
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That has happened to me too.. I forget what the heck happened in a book if it’s been a while since I read it… I don’t know about Girl in Blue I’m checking it out… And you are right how could I forget Mulan.. she’s one of the Disney princess that i like..
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I didn’t even realize this was a trope, but now I totally want to read some of these!
I also love that you recommend Manga, too, because I’ve been wanting to get into Manga!
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I’m thinking of doing a recommendation post about manga… but bear in mind that I’m mostly reading Shoujo manga so there’s that… Glad you liked the post
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