15 WLW/Lesbian Romance Books You Must Read

In the lush landscape of romance literature, lesbian romance offers a sanctuary of stories where love between women is celebrated in all its forms. These narratives provide a mirror for the lesbian community and a window for others, showcasing the strength, tenderness, and complexity of women loving women. If you’re searching for tales that resonate with authenticity, passion, and the power of connection, you’re in for a journey of the heart.

This post will guide you through a curated collection of lesbian romance novels that promise to captivate, inspire, and affirm. From the thrill of first love to the depth of long-lasting partnerships, these stories invite you to explore how love unfolds between women, reminding us that every love story deserves to be told and cherished.

15 Lesbian Romance Books (Sapphic Love Story)

Lesbian romance celebrates love and relationships between women. They depict the joys and challenges of romantic connections, highlighting the emotional depth and intimacy of lesbian relationships. These stories showcase the beauty and complexity of love in all its forms, regardless of gender.

Here are my favorite 15 lesbian romance books for you. They feature protagonists attracted to other women, offering validation and visibility for lesbian individuals in literature. Seeing characters with similar identities and experiences empowers and affirms lesbian readers. Let’s read!

1. The Falling in Love Montage

Our heroine is Saoirse, who’s finished her final year of school. At the beginning of summer, she attends an end-of-year party and meets Ruby. After rescuing a kitten together, these two hit it off and decided to have this summer fling based on the falling-in-love montages of popular romance comedies.

It’s light and positive, but you also deal with some difficult situations, as Saoirse’s mother has dementia, which isn’t easy for anyone involved. You’ve got two proud lesbians front and center. Ciara Smyth writes the most authentic characters, humor, and relationships.

Author: Ciara Smyth
Publisher: HarperTeen
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Romcom, Family-drama, Angsty, Emotional, Mental-health
Number Of Pages: 368
Item Weight: 15.2 ounces
Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.17 x 8.25 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

2. Not My Problem

The story follows Aideen, who is having a rough time. She’s got a difficult home life with her best friend. So Aideen’s not doing very well academically because she’s got so much more on her mind. One day, she comes across her nemesis, Maeve. Having a breakdown, she somehow roped into pushing her down the stairs to fix her problem.

Then, Aideen begins a journey of helping others, doing them favors, and starting a friendship with Maeve. Also, it progresses into the romance between her and Maeve. The characters, relationships, and humor are so authentic and realistic. Everything’s handled gracefully well, and I adored reading about this lesbian/WLW relationship.

Author: Ciara Smyth
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: Loners & Outcasts Fiction, Enemies-to-lovers, Humor, Magic
Number Of Pages: 368
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

3. The Scapegracers (Scapegracers)

Sideways Pike is a teenage lesbian witch. She is invited to the popular girls’ Halloween party to perform a magic trick. When this goes awry, the girls end up bonding and becoming friends. We follow their friendship mostly. That’s the main focus of this book. Sideways explores magic, forms a coven, and deals with witchhunters.

The story has fun teenage things like going to the cinema, getting Sideways a girlfriend, and throwing parties. These girls love each other unconditionally, and you can enjoy reading it. I loved the writing style of this book. Sideways’ narration is very much a teenage girl, but it is gothic and intricate writing that works so well. Both hardcover and paperback are good in quality.

Author: H.A. Clarke
Publisher: Erewhon
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Wizards & Witches, Urban Fantasy, Friendship-goals
Number Of Pages: 400
Reading age: 14 years+
Grade level: 9 – 12
Item Weight: 11.2 ounces
Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

4. Music from Another World

This book is told in an epistolary format, so letters and diary entries are included. You follow two girls assigned as pen pals in California in the seventies. Tammy is a closeted lesbian living in Orange County with her family, who are uber-religious, and she has to protest her right to exist. So it’s not a good situation, and reading her early parts had me so emotional.

Sharon, her pen pal, lives in San Francisco, and she’s dealing with her brother coming out as gay and reconciling that with Catholic beliefs. These girls grow closer, and they form a deep friendship. You also begin to explore the gay rights movements at this time.

So it’s so raw, moving, and emotional. The letters convey emotions so well, and I was nervous about them. I hadn’t read a book written in epistolary format before, but it worked well. So I highly recommend it.

Author: Robin Talley
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: 20th Century United States Historical Fiction, Emotions & Feelings, Bisexual-pansexual, Friends-to-lovers
Number Of Pages: 384
Reading age: 13+ years
Grade level: 10 – 12
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

5. Queen of Coin and Whispers

The story has two young women (Lia and Xania) in a low fantasy world. Lia is a romantic new queen looking to root out the corruption in her kingdom, particularly in her court, to create a better place. On the other hand, Xania is looking to avenge her father’s death. They are brought together because they’re both after the same man, and Xania becomes Lia’s Whispers, which means her spymaster.

You follow them, looking to better the kingdom through lots of politics and intrigue, falling in love. They are both lesbians, and it’s not explicit as in the world because it’s fantasy, but it is explicit otherwise. Xania is also demisexual, which is interesting because the author is demisexual. So it’s her voice. You’ve got the most amazing slow-burn WLW story, and it’s beautiful.

Author: Helen Corcoran
Publisher: The O’Brien Press
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Fantasy romance, LGBT, Girl-power, Sapphic, Arc
Number Of Pages: 467
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

6. A Dark and Hollow Star (The Hollow Star Saga)

This one is an urban fantasy novel that takes place mainly in Toronto. In this world, the faerie courts are real and thriving. We follow four queer teens who are all connected to these courts as they solve some gruesome ritualistic murders against the Ironborn population. It means the half-fae population.

Arlo is an Ironborn herself connected to the ruling court. Nausica is an ex-fury, and she’s an immortal lesbian. Vehan is the prince of the Seelie summer court and his brooding bodyguard, Aurelian. I loved them so much, and it’s such an exciting plot, world-building with a murder mystery aspect.

You’ve got so much queer rep: gay character, bi-character. Arlo is questioning, but the author has confirmed that she will be pansexual, and Nausica is a lesbian. Also we have trans characters and gender-fluid characters as well.

Author: Ashley Shuttleworth
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Fae, Slowburn
Number Of Pages: 512
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

7. The Abyss Surrounds Us

We follow our main character, Cas, a sea monster trainer, the coolest thing ever. So she trains sea monsters and has a particular sea monster with which she grew up. One day, when she goes out for the first time to attack the pirate ships they are trained to attack, the ship is too much for her. Her sea monster is killed, and she is taken captive.

The person that she has taken captive ends up being the love interest. So, it is an enemy to lovers, and it is so unique. Cas is also Asian or of some Eastern Asian descent. So, if you’re looking for a pirate story with a lesbian relationship, this would also be a good book. The hardcover is poor quality, but the paperback is incredible and cheap.

Author: Emily Skrutskie
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Pirate Action & Adventure, Enemies-to-lovers, Dystopia
Number Of Pages: 273
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle

8. Into the Drowning Deep (Rolling in the Deep)

This book represents a science fiction story that follows the main character, Victoria. All the characters are making a mockumentary about mermaids in the Mariana Trench. They go to film this mockumentary and are all attacked by mermaids. Then the footage comes back, and they have to keep it a secret like the government has to keep it a secret.

One of the girls on this expedition was her sister, Victoria. So she goes out on the second expedition to find out what happened. One of the main characters is also autistic. So, if you’re looking for that type of representation with female-female romance, this would be a good one.

Author: Mira Grant
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Mermaids, Thriller, Horror, Female-lead, Urban-fantasy, Sci-fi
Number Of Pages: 440
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

9. Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit

This is an LGBT book that deals with religion as well. A girl (Joanna Gordon) who likes girls also deals with her father being a pastor. Her dad is a radio evangelist. So, it deals a lot with her religion and sexuality. At the same time, Joanna moves from a big town where she is widely accepted to a small town where she has to stay closeted.

This book is essential for some people to read. A lot of people are looking for LGBT books that deal with religion. So I highly recommend this one for everyone, especially queer people, to discover them through the story.

Author: Jaye Robin Brown
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Christian Relationship, Love triangle, Mental illnesses, Arc, Small-town
Number Of Pages: 432
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

10. Tell Me How You Really Feel

The story is about our main characters, Sana and Rachel. Sana is Middle Eastern, and Rachel is Jewish. Rachel is a film person who likes filming films. She’s a director for her film club and a bit of a bad at the beginning. Also, it needs to be taken down a couple of notches. Rachel’s behavior turns out Sana.

It’s enemies to lovers situation. It was funny and had many quotable moments here. The story is a little boring and has some presentation issues. Overall, you can enjoy it. I recommend this contemporary lesbian love story.

Author: Aminah Mae Safi
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Realistic Fiction, Enemies-to-lovers, Religion, Slowburn-romance
Number Of Pages: 312
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

11. Hurricane Child

Our heroine, Caroline Murphy, is 12 years old black girl. She was born during a hurricane, which makes her very unlucky. She lives in Saint Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands and attends a tinny school. In school, Caroline’s not the most popular kid. A new character, Kalinda, moves in, and she becomes best friends with her. Then she realizes, even though she’s quite young, that she wants to be more than friends.

Caroline discovers her feelings and attraction through Kalinda. They fall in love, and then Caroline starts searching for her missing mom with Kalinda. There are some fantasy elements that I should not spoil. If you like adventure and romance, try this book.

Author: Kacen Callender
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Average Rating: 4.5/5, Teachers’ pick
Tropes: Magical Realism, Queer, Disability
Number Of Pages: 214
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

12. The Midnight Lie (Forgotten Gods)

Nirrim lives in the Ward, a section of the city that is incredibly strict for the lower class. When she meets Sid, a rakish traveler, she questions this as Sid tells her that the High Kith (higher class) possesses magic. So Nirrim has to choose between continuing with her life and trusting Sid, who asks not to be trusted.

Even though this is a fantasy world, it is so explicitly lesbian. Also, you see Sid dealing with receiving the same arguments against her not being attracted to men as lesbians. On the other hand, Nirrim is dealing with compulsive heterosexuality. So, being in a society where being straight is the norm and coping with this is very difficult.

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publisher: Farrar
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: High Fantasy, Rivals-to-lovers, Cultural-mythology
Number Of Pages: 362
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

13. Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb)

This book is about lesbian necromancers in space with a magical competition. We follow Gideon, who’s indentured to the Ninth House. In this society, nine Houses are necromancer families and form this part of the society. Gideon is indentured, and she’s not happy to be there. She wants out, and on her, god knows how many attempts she’s had to escape.

Gideon so nearly gets out on this one, but Harrowhark thwarts her, the Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire and Gideon’s enemy since infancy.

So Harrowhark has been summoned by the emperor to participate in a competition to become a lyctor. That means she’ll be immortal and all-powerful. But she needs a cavalier, which means she needs Gideon to be her swordswoman, and Gideon is roped into going with her.

So they arrive at this competition where they are in a house with many other people and don’t know who to trust. There’s no explicit romance in the series, but if there are enemies to the lovers, this is the best I have ever read.  

Author: Tamsyn Muir
Publisher: Recorded Books
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Humorous Fantasy, Strong-female-leads, Horror, Mystery
Number Of Pages: 448
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

14. The Henna Wars

The book is a rom-com following two girls with rival henna businesses in a school competition. The main character, Nishat, comes out to her Muslim family as a lesbian. She must deal with this and reconcile these two aspects of her identity. So, her growing feelings for Flavia, her rival, isn’t easy.

This book heavily focuses on culture and cultural discussions; we are excited to read those aspects. Moreover, childhood friends to enemies to lovers are the best dynamic to read this one.

Author: Adiba Jaigirdar
Publisher: Listening Library
Award nominee: Goodreads Choice
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Clean & Wholesome Romance, Contemporary
Number Of Pages: 400
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

15. Honey Girl

This lesbian romance book is an adult contemporary following Grace, who has received her Ph.D. and has gone to Vegas to celebrate. She is very much an overachiever.

As pressures begin building, her responsibilities start weighing on her. She flees to New York for the summer to spend it with her new wife, whom she barely knows. Here, she can avoid her problems and questions about her future and fall in love with her beautiful and creative wife, Yuki.

It will hit very close to home in many aspects because of these deals with Grace, the loneliness of growing up, and dealing with pressures. Overall, you will get an emotional gut punch and never forget them.

Author: Morgan Rogers
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Multicultural Romance, Neurodivergent
Number Of Pages: 241
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Audio CD

5 Steamy Lesbian Romance Books

1. “The X Ingredient” by Roslyn Sinclair

This novel tells the story of Laurie Holcombe, who is overlooked for a promotion in favor of a less qualified male colleague. She works for Diana Parker, a notoriously difficult boss known for her cold demeanor. As Laurie and Diana start working closely together, their initial antagonism turns into an undeniable attraction, leading to a passionate and complicated relationship. Sinclair delivers a sizzling office romance with depth and dynamic characters.

2. “And Playing the Role of Herself” by K.E. Lane

Actress Caidence Harris is cast in a leading role that brings her into close proximity with fellow actress Robyn Ward, whom she admires. What starts as professional respect quickly evolves into deep attraction, but facing their feelings amid the complexities of Hollywood and the public eye proves challenging. This novel is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of the entertainment industry and the steamy romance that blossoms between its leads.

3. “Who’d Have Thought” by G. Benson

Top surgeon Hayden Pérez volunteers to marry a woman to save her from deportation, expecting a straightforward business arrangement. But when Sam Lancaster enters her life as her temporary wife, Hayden finds the lines between pretense and reality blurring. This marriage of convenience story is filled with witty banter, slow-burn romance, and steamy moments, making it a captivating read from start to finish.

4. “Eyes Like Those” by Melissa Brayden

Part of the “Seven Shores” series, this book follows Isabel Chase, an aspiring T.V. writer, and Taylor Andrews, a successful producer. When Isabel lands a dream job that puts her in Taylor’s orbit, sparks fly, but their burgeoning relationship faces personal and professional hurdles. Brayden excels at creating a vibrant setting, relatable characters, and scenes that range from tender to sizzling.

5. “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters

Set in Victorian England, “Fingersmith” is a tale of deception, theft, and forbidden love. Sue Trinder, a fingersmith (thief), is part of a con to defraud a wealthy heiress, Maud Lilly, but the plan goes awry when she falls for Maud. Waters masterfully crafts a story that is as suspenseful as it is erotic, weaving a complex narrative of betrayal and passion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

5 Dark Lesbian Romance Books

1. “The Killing Room” by Gerri Hill

This suspenseful novel follows FBI agents CJ Johnston and Paige Riley as they are thrust into a chilling case involving a serial killer in a small Texas town. As they face the investigation, their professional relationship becomes complicated by an intense, undeniable attraction. The dark backdrop of the investigation adds depth to their developing romance, making for a gripping read.

2. “And Playing the Role of Herself” by K.E. Lane

Actress Caidence Harris lands a role that could make her career, only to find herself deeply attracted to her co-star, Robyn Ward. Beyond the glamour of Hollywood, both women must confront their dark pasts and fears to embrace the possibility of love. This novel skillfully balances celebrity’s allure with its characters’ vulnerabilities and complexities.

3. “The Dark Wife” by Sarah Diemer

A retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, but with a twist — both characters are women. Persephone, fleeing from Zeus’s advances, takes refuge in the underworld with Hades, discovering a world and a love she never expected. This novel reimagines classic mythology through a dark and romantic lens, exploring power, fate, and transformation themes.

4. “Keepers of the Cave” by Gerri Hill

FBI agents CJ Johnston and Paige Riley return in another suspenseful tale that blends crime, mystery, and dark romance. Tasked with investigating strange occurrences in a small town, they uncover secrets that challenge their understanding of reality. The dark, eerie setting of the investigation serves as a powerful backdrop to the deepening connection between the two agents.

5. “Gretel: A Fairytale Retold” by Niamh Murphy

A dark and captivating retelling of the classic fairytale, this novel follows Gretel as she and her brother Hans are abandoned in the forest, only to stumble upon the home of a witch. With themes of witchcraft, forbidden love, and survival, Murphy’s version of the tale is a far cry from its origins, offering readers a lesbian romance that’s both enchanting and haunting.

5 Lesbian Fiction Romance Books

1. “When Katie Met Cassidy” by Camille Perri

This novel tells the story of Katie Daniels, a straight woman unexpectedly drawn to Cassidy Price, a confident and charismatic lawyer who identifies as a lesbian. Set in New York City, their story explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the surprising turns love can take. It’s a contemporary romance that challenges traditional notions of sexuality and offers a fresh take on falling in love.

2. “The Price of Salt” (or “Carol”) by Patricia Highsmith

Originally published in 1952 under a pseudonym and later reissued as “Carol,” this groundbreaking novel follows the burgeoning relationship between Therese Belivet, a young set designer, and Carol Aird, an enigmatic older woman going through a difficult divorce. Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, the story is a tender and complex exploration of desire and societal constraints, celebrated for its emotional depth and pioneering representation of lesbian romance.

3. “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters

Set in Victorian England, “Fingersmith” is a thrilling tale of deception, theft, and forbidden love. Sue Trinder, a fingersmith (thief), is part of a con to defraud a wealthy heiress, Maud Lilly, but the plan goes awry when she falls for Maud. Waters masterfully crafts a narrative that is as suspenseful as it is erotic, offering a complex story of betrayal and passion.

4. “Poppy Jenkins” by Clare Ashton

Set in a small Welsh village, “Poppy Jenkins” is a heartwarming story about coming home and rediscovering oneself. Poppy, the beloved of her town, finds her world turned upside down with the return of Rosalyn, her childhood friend and first love. Ashton delivers a story filled with humor, warmth, and the complexities of rekindling a past romance, making it a delightful read.

5. “Ask, Tell” by E.J. Noyes

This novel explores the relationship between Captain Sabine Fleischer and Colonel Rebecca Keane in the context of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the U.S. military. The story shows the challenges of navigating a secret romance within the armed forces, offering readers a compelling narrative that combines the intensity of military life with the depth of hidden love.

5 Historical lesbian romance novels

1. “The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics” by Olivia Waite

This novel is the first in the Feminine Pursuits series and explores the relationship between Lucy Muchelney, an astronomer, and Catherine St Day, the Countess of Moth. Set in early 19th-century England, the story delves into themes of science, art, and societal expectations as Lucy and Catherine navigate their growing attraction amidst the backdrop of the scientific community’s male-dominated world. It’s a tale of passion, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge, offering a beautiful exploration of love and support.

2. “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters

In Victorian England, “Fingersmith” tells the story of Sue Trinder and Maud Lilly, who become entangled in a plot of fraud, betrayal, and a forbidden romance. Waters intricately crafts a world of thieves and gentlewomen, where nothing is as it seems, and love finds a way even in the darkest corners. The novel is celebrated for its twisty plot, rich historical detail, and the deep, complex relationship between its protagonists.

3. “Tipping the Velvet” by Sarah Waters

Another masterpiece by Sarah Waters, “Tipping the Velvet,” is a coming-of-age story set in the late 19th century. It follows Nan King, an oyster girl, who falls in love with Kitty Butler, a male impersonator. The novel takes readers through London’s music halls and the underground queer scene, exploring Nan’s journey of self-discovery, performance, and love in various forms. Waters’ vivid portrayal of Victorian England’s queer subculture is both enlightening and captivating.

4. “The Paying Guests” by Sarah Waters

Set in 1922 London, “The Paying Guests” focuses on Frances Wray and her mother, who take in lodgers Lillian and Leonard Barber to maintain their home. The arrival of the Barbers brings change, excitement, and unexpected passion into Frances’s life, leading to a tumultuous love affair that defies the constraints of the era. Waters masterfully blends suspense, romance, and social commentary, offering a gripping narrative examining love’s complexities and the repercussions of desire.

5. “Patience and Sarah” by Isabel Miller

Originally published in 1969 under the title “A Place for Us,” “Patience and Sarah” is inspired by the true story of two 19th-century American women. Set in rural Connecticut, it tells the tale of Patience White, an educated painter, and Sarah Dowling, a farm girl, striving to build a life together against all odds. The novel is a pioneering work in lesbian literature, celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of enduring love and the fight for personal freedom in a restrictive society.

Last Words

These books do more than just tell tales of romance; they affirm the beauty, diversity, and resilience of love between women, offering solace, joy, and inspiration to readers. Through their characters’ journeys, these novels celebrate the courage to love openly and authentically, contributing to a richer, more inclusive tapestry of romance literature.

May the stories we’ve delved into inspire you to embrace love in all its forms and seek narratives that broaden our understanding of the human heart. By supporting and cherishing lesbian romance novels, we not only honor the stories of women loving women but also contribute to a world where every love story is valued and visible. Here’s to discovering and uplifting the voices that capture the essence of lesbian romance, for in their tales, we find reflections of ourselves, our hopes, and our dreams.

Read more similar romance books:

5 LGBT Books Like I Will Give You The Sun

10 Lesbian Comic Books

10 Lesbian Fantasy Books

15 Slow Burn Romance Novels

10 Lesbian Poetry Books

15 Gay Romance Novels

Writing Tips: 7 Tips To Write A Lesbian Love Story