Diving into the kaleidoscope of queer stories, amplifying LGBTQ+ authors one narrative at a time.
Are you tired of the same old heteronormative love stories? When it comes to Romance, we often think of the classic tales of boy meets girl; they fall in love, struggle a bit and then live happily ever after.
But what about girl meets girl? These best Sapphic romance books offer a different kind of love story that is just as passionate and heartwarming as the straight ones…said no one ever! They are way better!
There are more deep emotions, communication, intensity, passion and sensuality. The lack of societal standards and the patriarchy-driven romance makes Sapphic Relationships way better because there are no rules, judgment, or Love!
Sapphic love is not a novelty; it’s a real and powerful force that deserves to be celebrated. It’s a chemistry that can be as intense and passionate as any other kind, yet it’s often overlooked in mainstream media. But with these Sapphic Romance Books, we can immerse in the depth and beauty of this relationship between Queer women and see ourselves reflected in their stories.
You might fall in love with the characters and stories that capture your heart. As the French writer Victor Hugo once said, “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved despite ourselves.” So why not dive into the world of sapphic romance books and explore the beauty and power of sapphic love? After all, Women do it better!
Don't have time to read them all? Why not try listening to them? Audible is a great platform for listening to audiobooks because it offers a wide selection of books, including bestsellers and exclusive content. With Audible, you can listen to your favorite books on-the-go, whether you're commuting, working out, or doing household chores.
The Audible app also has features like adjustable narration speed, a sleep timer, and the ability to create bookmarks, making it easy to customize your listening experience. Additionally, Audible offers a membership program that gives members access to a certain number of audiobooks per month, making it a cost-effective option for avid listeners.
A great resource for people who want to maximize their time and make the most out of their daily activities. Try a free 30-day trial from Audible today, and you'll get access to a selection of Audible Originals and audiobooks, along with a credit to purchase any title in their premium selection, regardless of price (including many of the books on this list!)
For ebook lovers, we also recommend Scribd, basically the Netflix for Books and the best and most convenient subscription for online reading. While they have a catalog comprising over half a million books including from many bestselling authors, for some of the books on this list, you'll still have to purchase individually - either as a paperback or eBook to load on your Kindle - due to publishing house restrictions.
In this article we will cover...
- Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
- Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
- Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
- Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi
- Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters
- We Are Okay by Nina LeCour
- She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
- The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
- Milk Fed by Melissa Broder
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Published: May 25, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Fake date, Friends to lovers, Bisexual Representation, Bengali and Irish Culture.
“Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating” by Adiba Jaigirdar follows two teenage girls, Hani and Ishu, who come from different backgrounds but find common ground in their shared experience of feeling like outsiders in their community.
Hani is a romantic who dreams of finding love, while Ishu is focused on her studies and doesn’t have time for dating. When Hani’s family begins pressuring her to find a boyfriend, the two girls devise a plan to fake date each other to satisfy their families and keep their independence.
The book takes place in Dublin, Ireland, and centers on the perspectives of Hani and Ishu. Hani is a confident and outgoing bisexual Bengali-Irish girl who loves Bollywood movies and dreams of finding a romantic partner who shares her interests. On the other hand, Ishu is a reserved and studious girl who feels like an outsider in her Bengali community due to her mixed-race heritage.
As Hani and Ishu navigate their fake relationship, they develop real feelings for each other, leading to a complex and emotional journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with their identities.
Why we love it: Hani and Ishu’s relationship is so heartwarming, and they explore their sexualities and feelings for each other sweetly. This is the only fake dating we care for!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I want to find someone who gets me. Someone who gets why I love Bollywood movies so much. Someone who’ll watch them with me and not judge me for it. Someone who won’t make me feel like I need to choose between my Irish side and my Bengali side.”
Other books we like by this author: The Henna Wars and A Million to One.
Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Published: November 10, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Retelling.
“Written in the Stars” is a contemporary romance novel by Alexandria Bellefleur. The story follows the lives of Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones, two women who couldn’t be more different. Darcy is a successful, career-driven woman who is focused on her job and has no time for relationships, while Elle is a free-spirited astrologer who is looking for her happily ever after.
When Darcy’s brother and Elle’s best friend set them up on a blind date, it goes disastrously wrong. However, they soon find themselves in a fake relationship, trying to convince Darcy’s family that they are in love to get them off her back. As they spend more time together, they develop real feelings for each other, wondering if their fake relationship could become something more.
Why we love it: The chemistry between Darcy and Elle is off the charts, and their banter is witty and engaging, and the book features great representation, with both characters being women of color. And a Sapphic retelling of Pride and Prejudice? It is no longer Mr. Darcy; it’s MISS DARCY.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“”I don’t know if I believe in fate, but I know I believe in choices. And I choose you.”
“I want to be with someone who chooses me, again and again. Every day. Not because we’re obligated but because we want to. That’s the kind of love I want.”
Other books we like by this author: Count your Lucky Stars, Hang the Moon and Frosbite.
Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
Published: May 18, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Sports, High School Romance.
“Some Girls Do” by Jennifer Dugan tracks the story of two teenage girls, Morgan and Ruby, who couldn’t be more different from each other. Morgan is a high school cheerleader who loves all things girly and dreams of finding the perfect boyfriend.
Ruby is a college dropout who works at a local bookstore and struggles with anxiety and depression. When the two girls are paired together for a summer job at a food truck, they form an unlikely friendship that quickly turns into a romantic relationship.
Morgan is a confident and outgoing girl who feels pressure from her mother to fit into a certain mold of femininity. Ruby, on the other hand, is more reserved and struggles with mental health issues, which have caused her to withdraw from her friends and family.
As Morgan and Ruby navigate their relationship, they begin to confront their insecurities and learn to accept themselves for who they are. Along the way, they also deal with challenges such as homophobia and judgment from their peers and families.
Why we love it: The book works on the themes of friendship, family, and mental health and is handled with sensitivity and depth, and Morgan and Ruby, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, from love and conflicts and a perfect juxtaposition of their different life situations.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I think it’s important to remember that nobody’s perfect. Not even our dreams. But we’re all still worthy of them.”
“But that’s how it goes, I guess. Sometimes the people who are supposed to love you the most just…don’t.”
Other books we like by this author: Hot Dog Girl, Verona Comics and Melt With You.
Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi
Published: June 11, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Enemies to Lovers, Multicultural.
“Tell Me How You Really Feel” is a contemporary romance novel by Aminah Mae Safi. The story follows the lives of two high school seniors, Rachel Recht and Sana Khan, who could not be more different.
Rachel is an overachieving filmmaker determined to win a film scholarship to attend NYU, while Sana is a sarcastic and rebellious activist who is equally determined to stay in California and attend college close to home. When a chance encounter leaves Sana with a broken arm, Rachel reluctantly agrees to help her, and their lives become intertwined.
The novel is told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Rachel and Sana, allowing readers to see the world from both perspectives. As they work together on Rachel’s senior film project, they begin to see past their initial impressions of each other and develop a friendship that soon blossoms into a romantic relationship.
Why we love it: Enemies to Friends, Friends to Lovers. We all love these Jumps; sometimes we see it coming, sometimes we don’t, but at End we LOVE IT. The book features two strong and complex women of color as the main characters and the romance between them is beautifully written, with a slow-burn build-up that will leave you rooting for them until the end. #TeamSana #TeamRachel
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“You’re the one who’s always trying to make things better for everyone else. Sometimes it’s okay to do something for yourself.”
“Sometimes it takes a heartbreak to shake you awake.”
Other books we like by this author: Not the Girls You’re Looking for, and This Is All Your Fault.
Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters
Published: January 12, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace Romance, Small Town Romance.
“Satisfaction Guaranteed” by Karelia Stetz-Waters is a contemporary romance novel that tells the story of a small-town girl, Reese, who lands a job at an adult store and faces the challenges of working alongside a woman she once had a disastrous blind date with, her boss, Sarah.
Reese has always been a good girl, following the rules and expectations set for her by her conservative family and community in rural Oregon. But after getting fired from her job and feeling like a failure, Reese takes a chance at a new job at an adult store.
It’s not exactly what she had in mind for her career, but she’s determined to make the best of it. However, things get complicated when she realizes that her boss is none other than Sarah, the woman who stood her up on a blind date years ago.
As Reese and Sarah navigate their professional relationship, they can’t ignore the chemistry between them. But Sarah has a reputation as a player and doesn’t do relationships, while Reese still figures out her sexuality and what she wants out of life. As they grow closer, they both have to confront their pasts and decide whether they’re willing to take a chance on love.
Why we love it: It is a heartfelt and steamy romance book that explores self-discovery, family expectations, and learning to take risks. It captures the struggles of small-town life and the complexities of navigating a new job and a potential relationship with a boss. And also, Lesbians working in a sex shop? Shut up and take my money!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I was the good girl who did everything she was supposed to do. But now I was twenty-five, unemployed, and single. I had nothing left to lose.”
“Why did you have to be such a good kisser? Why couldn’t you have been a terrible kisser? Or a boring kisser? Or a creepy kisser? But no. You had to be amazing.”
Other books we like by this author: For Good, The Admirer, and The Purveyor.
We Are Okay by Nina LeCour
Published: February 14, 2017
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Unconditional Love, Mental Health.
“We Are Okay” by Nina captures the complexities of grief, loss, and the power of friendship. The story follows Marin, a college freshman who has recently lost everything – her grandfather and the life she knew in California. She has fled to New York City, living alone in a dorm room over winter break.
As Marin confronts the memories and emotions she has been trying to bury, she must also face Mabel, who has traveled across the country to be with her.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, family, and identity through its complex and multi-layered characters. Marin is a deeply introspective and vulnerable protagonist, struggling to come to terms with her grief and the secrets she has been keeping. Mabel is a caring and loyal friend, determined to understand Marin and help her heal.
Their love for each other is a powerful force that drives the story forward, and their relationship adds depth and emotional resonance to the novel. The novel is full of intimate, emotional scenes that highlight the depth of the relationship between Mabel and Marin.
Why we love it: It stands out from your typical romance book because it’s more centered on their connection, support and care instead of just the usual falling-in-love story. The care Mabel provides through Marin’s grief and mental health issues is so soulful, and it makes you think about what Love is. I’m not Crying. You are!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I loved you because you were the only one who saw me as I wanted to be seen.”
“I wanted everything for us. I wanted the kind of love that made me feel like I was burning alive.”
Other books we like by this author: Hold Still, Everything Leads to You, You Know Me Well, Watch Over Me, and Runaways.
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Published: April 20, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Enemies-to-Lovers, Coming of Age, Teen Romance.
“She Drives Me Crazy” by Kelly Quindlen is a fun coming-of-age romance exploring identity, friendship, and love. The story is set in the backdrop of a high school in New Jersey, where the two main characters, Scottie and Irene, find themselves pitted against each other in a race to become the school’s top students.
Scottie is a perfectionist determined to be the valedictorian of her high school class. On the other hand, Irene is a carefree, confident student who seems to breeze through her classes effortlessly.
When their teacher pairs them up for a school project, Scottie is forced to confront her prejudices and assumptions about Irene. As they work together, the two girls realize they may have more in common than they initially thought.
As their relationship deepens, Scottie and Irene develop romantic feelings for each other. However, they both struggle with their feelings, as they are unsure of how the other person feels and are afraid of ruining their friendship.
Why we love it: The romance between Scottie and Irene is a sweet and tender exploration of first love and self-discovery. It’s a reminder that sometimes the person you least expect can end up being the one who changes your life the most.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I want to kiss you again, and again, and again. I never want to stop kissing you.”
“I never knew I could feel this way about another girl. But with you, everything just feels right.”
“You make me so happy. I never want to lose you.”
Other books we like by this author: Late to the Party and We Are Okay Here.
The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
Published: June 9, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Coming of Age, Queer, Young Adult Fiction, Family Drama Romance.
“The Falling in Love Montage” by Ciara Smyth explores the complexities of falling in love while dealing with the harsh realities of life. The book follows the story of Saoirse, a teenage girl living in Ireland who is dealing with her mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Saoirse has a unique way of dealing with her problems: she tries to avoid them by living in the moment and creating “falling in love” montages with her romantic interests, never wanting anything more than just the perfect moment.
As Saoirse navigates through the ups and downs of her mother’s illness, she meets Ruby, a carefree girl who is the complete opposite of Saoirse. Ruby suggests they have a “falling in love” montage, but Saoirse hesitates to get involved with someone when she knows their relationship is doomed from the start.
Despite her reservations, Saoirse can’t resist Ruby’s charms, and soon they fall for each other. As their relationship deepens, Scottie and Irene develop romantic feelings for each other. However, they both struggle with their feelings, as they are unsure of how the other person feels and are afraid of ruining their friendship.
Why we love it: The book deals with serious themes, including Alzheimer’s disease and the fear of loss, but it also has moments of humor and lightness that keep the story from becoming too heavy.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I know life is impossible, and I know we won’t get a happy ending. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth every single moment.”
“I wanted everything to be perfect, just for a moment. I wanted the falling-in-love montage without the actual falling-in-love part.”
Other books we like by this author: Not My Problem.
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder
Published: February 2, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Romance, Lesbian, Adult Contemporary, Sapphic Literature, Romantic Comedy, Queer, Adult Fiction, Millennial angsty fiction, Spicy.
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder follows the story of Rachel, a twenty-something Jewish woman obsessed with her weight and her mother’s disapproval of her body.
Rachel works at a talent agency in L.A. and has a complicated relationship with her mother, who she calls “the whole continent of guilt.” She has never experienced romantic love until she meets Miriam, an Orthodox Jewish woman who works at a frozen yogurt shop.
Rachel becomes obsessed with Miriam, both romantically and physically. They develop a relationship around food, as Rachel tries to seduce Miriam by taking her to different restaurants and indulging in various meals. Rachel also struggles with her relationship with food as she tries to balance her love for Miriam and her obsession with her body image.
As Rachel and Miriam’s relationship deepens, Rachel starts questioning her identity and beliefs. She starts to explore her Jewish heritage, attends Shabbat dinners, and begins to learn Hebrew. She also questions her mother’s influence on her life and finds her voice.
Why we love it: The book is narrated funny and insightful, and the diverse and relatable characters are spot on. Also, STEAMY action is on point. Would not say more, do yourself a favor a go read it.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Hunger was always my mother tongue, but I wanted to learn another language.”
“I’ve been trying to tell you with everything I do that I’m falling in love with you. But I guess I need to say it with words too.”
Other books we like by this author: The Pisces.
As the great poet Rumi once said, “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of Sapphic Romance. It’s a kind of love that transcends gender and defies societal norms.
Sapphic Romance offers a refreshing change of pace in a world that often prioritizes straight relationships and heteronormative narratives. They celebrate the diversity of Queer Women and their experiences with Love and provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. So go ahead, dive into these Love stories and discover the beauty and power of Sapphic Love.
