In a world where love knows no bounds, the genre of lesbian romance stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusivity. This is our selection of the best lesbian romance books you should read. These books not only offer captivating stories of love and passion but also represent a mosaic of experiences, showcasing the richness of the LGBTQ+ narrative. From heartwarming tales to complex journeys of self-discovery, each book on this list promises a journey into the heart of lesbian romance.
1. Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner
This contemporary romance revolves around a college senior, Cassie, who unexpectedly becomes involved with an older woman she meets at a bar. This woman turns out to be the mother of her new friend, leading to a complex and compelling narrative. The book is recognized for its engaging storytelling and exploration of romance and relationships.
2. Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
“Kiss Her Once for Me” by Alison Cochrun is a queer romantic comedy set during the holiday season. Ellie Oliver, having moved to Portland for her dream animation job, falls in love with a woman after a Christmas Eve meet-cute. Following a betrayal and job loss, Ellie ends up as a barista and enters a marriage of convenience with her employer, Andrew, to solve financial woes. The twist comes when Ellie discovers the woman she fell for is Andrew’s sister, Jack, leading her to a dilemma between the fake marriage and a real relationship. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, self-worth, and queer love, offering a heartwarming story of finding love and self-discovery.
3. Principle Decisions by Thea Belmont
“Principle Decisions” by Thea Belmont is a story that delves deep into the complexities of human connections and self-discovery. The main character, Vivienne, is portrayed as an icy and aloof woman who has dedicated her life to caring for her orphaned niece, sacrificing her personal relationships and desires. The book explores themes of submission and control, providing a cathartic experience for Vivienne. Selene, another key character, is depicted as a warm and approachable domme. The novel also touches on issues of tolerance and responsibility through a subplot involving Vivienne’s niece and her transgender friend. The book is celebrated for its sadism and masochism scenes, heartfelt romance, and realistic drama.
4. Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden
A quintessential urban romance, set in the New York advertising world. It tells the story of Brooklyn Campbell and Jessica Lennox, two advertising professionals who initially meet as rivals without knowing each other’s professional identities. Despite their competitive work environment, they feel a strong attraction towards each other. The novel delves into their evolving relationship, marked by personal challenges and professional dilemmas. It’s a light-hearted read that explores themes of love, career, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of a high-stakes business world.
5. Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
Wilsner returns with a captivating narrative about love in the limelight. This contemporary romance novel is centered around Jo, a Hollywood showrunner, and her assistant, Emma. A photograph of Jo making Emma laugh on the red carpet inadvertently sparks a media frenzy, leading to rumors about them being a couple. This rumor comes at a critical time, potentially affecting Emma’s promotion and Jo’s new movie. As they spend more time together due to Jo’s film project, their relationship deepens, leading them to reconsider the validity of the rumors amidst the challenges of public scrutiny and workplace dynamics.
6. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
McQuiston’s innovative novel blends romance with a twist of time-travel, offering a refreshing take on the genre. It follows August Landry, a 23-year-old student who moves to New York City for a fresh start. August, initially aloof and skeptical about relationships, encounters Jane Su, a punk lesbian from the 1970s, mysteriously trapped in the present day on the Q subway line. As August gets to know Jane, they delve into a mission to uncover Jane’s past and untangle the mystery of her time displacement. Alongside her quirky roommates, August navigates her growing feelings for Jane, her family’s past, and the challenge of saving Jane from her temporal bind. The story weaves themes of love, identity, and belonging, capturing the essence of finding connection in unexpected places and times.
7. The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Shields weaves a tale that combines romance with a touch of the supernatural in this captivating novel set on the Isle of Innisfree. The story revolves around Marigold Claude, a 21-year-old who discovers she is destined to become the next Honey Witch, a role that comes with a unique magic but forbids true love. Marigold moves to Innisfree to train with her grandmother, Althea, and embraces her new magical life. However, her world is turned upside down when she meets Lottie Burke, a skeptic of magic. As Marigold attempts to prove magic’s existence to Lottie, their relationship deepens, challenging the curse that bars the Honey Witch from love. The plot thickens as darker magic emerges, threatening Marigold’s home and forcing her to confront the complexities of her powers, love, and the curse. This debut novel blends cozy fantasy, a sapphic romance, and a unique magical system, exploring themes of self-discovery, belief, and the power of love.
8. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
“Written in the Stars” by Alexandria Bellefleur is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Elle Jones, an astrologer, and Darcy Lowell, an actuary. Their journey begins with a disastrous blind date, but circumstances lead them to fake a relationship to avoid family pressure during the holidays. Despite their initial differences and conflicts, Elle’s free-spirited nature and Darcy’s pragmatism gradually give way to genuine affection. The novel explores themes of love, personal growth, and the clash of differing worldviews. As Elle and Darcy navigate the complexities of their fake relationship, they learn about themselves and each other, leading to an unexpected and heartfelt romance. This charming story blends humor with emotional depth, offering a fresh take on the classic opposites-attract trope.
9. The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley
“The Perks of Loving a Wallflower” by Erica Ridley is the second book in the “Wild Wynchesters” series, offering a delightful mix of Regency romance and intrigue. The story centers around Thomasina ‘Tommy’ Wynchester, a master of disguise capable of transforming herself from a proper young lady to a bawdy old man to solve cases. Her latest assignment leads her to uncover a top-secret military cipher with historical significance. Meanwhile, Bluestocking Miss Philippa York, who doesn’t believe in love, seeks to decode a manuscript’s clues to defeat a powerful enemy. She requires a man’s help, only to discover that the capable baron assisting her is actually Tommy, the woman she secretly admires. As the two women collaborate, what starts as a professional relationship evolves into something deeper, challenging Philippa’s beliefs about love. The book has been praised for its unique blend of gender-bending, sapphic love, mystery, and a captivating cast.
10. Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey
“Read Between the Lines” by Rachel Lacey is a playful romance novel centered around Rosie Taft, the owner of a beloved Manhattan bookstore, and Jane Breslin, a reclusive author who writes steamy lesbian romances under the pen name Brie. Rosie, a lover of romantic stories, dreams of her own love story, especially with her favorite author, Brie, with whom she has a flirty online friendship. Meanwhile, Jane, who works for her family’s property development business by day, maintains a clear division between her personal and professional life. However, the romance takes a complicated turn when Rosie discovers that her bookstore’s lease has been terminated by Jane’s company. Despite their conflicting interests and the revelation of their online identities, the undeniable sparks between them keep the possibility of romance alive. The story explores whether Jane can craft a happy ending or if Rosie’s heart remains unattainable.
11. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
“The Jasmine Throne” by Tasha Suri is a richly woven fantasy novel set in a world inspired by the epics and history of India. The story revolves around two central female characters, Malini and Priya, who are drawn together by fate and their shared ambition to rewrite the destiny of an empire. Malini, a princess exiled by her despotic brother, is trapped in the Hirana, an ancient cliffside temple once known for its magical deathless waters, now a decaying ruin. Here, she dreams of vengeance. Priya, a maidservant possessing forbidden magic, works in the regent’s household while hiding the truth of her past. Their paths cross when Malini witnesses Priya’s true nature, intertwining their destinies in a complex tapestry of power, rebellion, and survival. The novel explores themes of empire, resistance, and the nature of power, set against a backdrop of evocative magic and political intrigue. It has been praised for its lush, vivid atmosphere, emotionally dense narrative, and the compelling, nuanced relationship between its protagonists.
12. Gravée Sur Ma Peau by Margherita Gabbiani
In this international romance, Gabbiani explores themes of enduring love and the indelible marks it leaves on our lives.
It is a poignant romance novel about Andrea and Evie, two women with troubled pasts. Andrea, ambitious and seemingly in control, hides deep-seated trauma beneath her confident exterior. She is on the brink of a career leap in her father’s company and has a perfect boyfriend, yet her past haunts her. Evie, a struggling artist, deals with the loss of her father and abandonment by her mother, leading her to close off her heart and avoid lasting relationships. Their lives intersect in a Love Shop, where an instant attraction upends Andrea’s life, making her question Evie’s bold scars and their shared experiences. As their bond deepens, they confront their past traumas, exploring themes of healing, self-discovery, and the resilience of love. This story illustrates the transformative power of relationships and the journey towards acceptance and mutual support.
13. I Can’t Think Straight by Shamim Sarif
“I Can’t Think Straight” by Shamim Sarif is a compelling tale of cultural conflicts and the power of love. Tala, a Christian Palestinian woman, is set to marry in Jordan but encounters Leyla, a British Indian Muslim woman, in London. Their meeting sparks an intense, unexpected attraction, challenging their deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms. As Tala grapples with her impending wedding, the women’s bond deepens. Tala’s return to Jordan for her wedding heightens the emotional turmoil. Leyla, shattered in London, confronts her identity and societal expectations. Their story is an exploration of self-discovery, love’s transformative power, and the courage to embrace one’s truth against the backdrop of cultural and familial pressures. The novel delves into themes of East-West dichotomy, love versus duty, and the journey to authenticity in a conservative society.
14. Only this Summer by Radclyffe
Radclyffe, a renowned author in lesbian fiction, presents a summer romance that encapsulates both the sweetness and intensity of love. “Only This Summer” is a contemporary romance novel centered around Dr. Lily Davenport, who, overwhelmed by burnout, seeks a simpler life working at a summer camp. Here, she encounters Chase Fielder, a forest ranger, who is averse to long-term relationships and prefers fleeting romances. Chase sees in Lily an ideal partner for a summer fling ,passionate, temporary, and without commitments. As they engage in a no-strings-attached relationship, both women confront unexpected emotions and desires. This story explores themes of passion rediscovery, coping with life’s pressures, and the challenges of temporary relationships in a setting where both characters are at crucial junctures in their lives. The novel delves into how a seemingly casual summer affair becomes a transformative experience for Lily and Chase.
15. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
“The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics” by Olivia Waite is a historical romance set in the Regency era, following Lucy Muchelney, an astronomer who feels adrift after her lover marries someone else. She finds purpose when she encounters a letter from Catherine St Day, the Countess of Moth, seeking a translator for a French astronomy text. When Lucy arrives at Catherine’s home, she expects a professional challenge but instead finds herself drawn to the Countess. Catherine, planning a quiet widowhood, is initially skeptical of Lucy’s scientific abilities but soon recognizes her talent and passion. As Lucy works on the translation, the two women develop a deep connection, navigating societal expectations and personal challenges. Their evolving relationship is marked by intellectual and emotional depth, offering a fresh take on Regency romance and highlighting the struggles of women in a male-dominated field.
The genre of lesbian romance is rich and varied, offering stories that range from light-hearted romances to deeper explorations of identity and societal challenges. These novels play a crucial role in providing representation and voice to our LGBTQ+ community, offering narratives that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Each story is a unique tapestry of emotions and experiences, reflecting the diverse nature of love itself. They explore themes of self-acceptance, societal pressures. Happy reading !
