26 Insanely Good Sapphic Romance Novels That Will Keep You Reading All Night
If you know where to look, sapphic romance novels are here, there and everywhere. And I mean that literally, from ancient texts to modern sapphic romantasy, the genre has existed for a very long time.
Not only are these books incredibly entertaining, but they also mean so much to queer readers. Seeing love represented in ways that challenge- or simply exist outside of- the norm can be incredibly powerful. Sapphic romance books create spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and understood, while also opening up conversations about identity, sexuality, and love in all its forms.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy romance, a heart-wrenching love story, or an epic fantasy with a sapphic romance at its heart, there’s truly something for everyone.
This post is all about the best sapphic romance novels.
Check out this post! How to Finally Tackle Your TBR With 25 Cozy Date With a Book Ideas – ByIzzyLily
What Are Sapphic Romance Books?
You’ve probably come across the term sapphic romance books before, but what exactly does it mean?
Sapphic romance novels are stories that feature romantic relationships between women. The term ‘sapphic’ derives from the ancient Greek poet Sappho, whose poetry celebrated love between women.
One of the reasons readers love sapphic romance is the incredible variety you’ll find. These stories span every genre imaginable, from cosy small-town romances and fake dating to enemies-to-lovers, fantasy adventures, historical fiction, and even spooky gothic tales. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming happily-ever-after or an emotional slow-burn that keeps you hooked until the very last page, there’s a sapphic romance out there for you.
What makes these books so special is that they’re romance first. While some stories explore themes of identity, coming out, or self-discovery, many simply celebrate two people falling in love. They feature all the swoony moments romance readers adore with sapphic couples at the heart of the story.
If you’re new to the genre, don’t overthink it. Pick a trope you already love, whether that’s friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, rivals-to-lovers, or grumpy sunshine, and you’ll quickly discover just how many incredible sapphic romance books are waiting to be added to your TBR.
Check out this post! 8 Cozy Books to Read When the Weather Gets Colder – ByIzzyLily
The History of Sapphic Romance Books
From studying Classics and English at university I learned alot about sapphic romance through time.
600 BCE
The history of sapphic romance books date back a lot longer than you may think. One of the earliest figures associated with sapphic literature is Sappho. She as a lyric poet from the Greek island of Lesbos who lived around 600 BCE. Her poetry celebrated love and desire between women so profoundly that both the word sapphic and the term lesbian (derived from her home island) are connected to her legacy. Only fragments of her work survive today, they remain some of the oldest surviving examples of women writing about love between women.
I had been very surprised to learn how openly topics like this had been discussed in Literature, and it really put into perspective how vast the timeline of the human race really was, and how much we have changed culturally. What changed was how society responded to them. At different points in history these stories were celebrated, ignored, hidden, censored, or even used as evidence against their creators.
1928
A story I studied in my gender and sexualities module at university was The Well of Loneliness (1928), this story explored gender identity in a way I had never come across before. Somewhat autobiographically, it follows the story from infancy to adulthood of a girl who wishes she was a man.
She falls in love with a woman and explores queer relationships, however she is frequently referred to as ‘mannish’, ‘butch’ and insufferably uncomfortable in her gender identity.
You can read this story in two ways, the story of a sapphic women exploring what it is to love women in a society that can only understand heterosexual love, and therefore she masculinises herself as a way to fit into that expectation. Or, as a story of trans identity- and this is the perspective I took when I read it. However, there was no word for transgender at the time, and therefore it is very difficult to analyse this text through the modern lens.
Radclyffe Hall herself also challenged social expectations. Although assigned female at birth, Hall preferred masculine clothing, used the name “John” among friends, and lived openly with her long-term partner, Una Troubridge. Following its publication, The Well of Loneliness was prosecuted for obscenity in the UK- not because it contained explicit sexual content, but because it portrayed a same-sex relationship sympathetically. The novel was banned for many years, becoming one of the most famous censorship cases in British literary history.
1895
Of course, Hall wasn’t the first writer to face persecution. More than three decades earlier, Oscar Wilde was tried and convicted in 1895 for “gross indecency” after his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas became public. Although The Picture of Dorian Gray was criticised during the trial for its perceived homoerotic themes, it was Wilde’s private relationships- not the novel itself-that formed the basis of the legal case. Even so, the trial had a chilling effect on literature, and many writers became increasingly cautious about depicting queer themes openly.
This fear also shaped Gothic fiction. Novels such as Dracula are filled with themes of forbidden desire, temptation, repression, and transgression. While Bram Stoker never explicitly wrote queer characters into the novel, many modern literary critics interpret its intense relationships, sensual imagery, and anxieties surrounding sexuality through a queer lens. More broadly, Gothic literature has long used monsters, vampires, and the supernatural as metaphors for the fears and prejudices of the societies in which those stories were written.
Check out this post! A Comprehensive Guide to Digital Reading Trackers- 15 Book Apps Like Goodreads You NEED To Know About – ByIzzyLily
Sapphic Romance Novels
Classic Sapphic Books
1. The Poetry of Sappho
It wouldn’t be a discussion of sapphic romance without mentioning the woman who inspired the term itself. Sappho was an ancient Greek lyric poet who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BCE. Although only fragments of her poetry survive today, her work has become some of the most celebrated love poetry in literary history.
Sappho wrote about beauty, longing, desire, heartbreak, and the intense emotions that come with falling in love. Many of her surviving poems express affection and romantic desire between women, which is why the words sapphic and lesbian are so closely connected to her legacy. In fact, the term lesbian originates from the name of her home, the island of Lesbos.
What makes Sappho’s writing so remarkable is how timeless it feels. Despite being written over 2,500 years ago, her poetry captures emotions that still resonate with readers today. Her verses explore the excitement of new love, the ache of separation, jealousy, admiration, and the vulnerability of opening your heart to someone else. Reading Sappho is a reminder that these feelings have been part of the human experience for thousands of years.
Surviving Works
Unlike modern sapphic romance books, Sappho’s surviving works are short lyrical poems rather than novels with fully developed plots or happily-ever-afters. Yet they remain some of the earliest examples of women writing about love between women, making them an essential part of queer literary history.
Although much of her work has unfortunately been lost to time, the fragments that remain continue to inspire writers, poets, and readers around the world. Every time you see a recommendation for sapphic romance novels or the best lesbian romance novels, you’re seeing the lasting influence of a poet whose words have survived for more than two millennia.
Who might like this? Readers who enjoy classical literature, poetry, mythology, LGBTQ+ history, or anyone interested in discovering the origins of modern sapphic romance.
2. The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
No list of the best lesbian romance novels would be complete without The Well of Loneliness. First published in 1928, this groundbreaking novel has become one of the most important works in LGBTQ+ literary history. While it isn’t a romance in the modern sense and certainly isn’t a light-hearted read, it laid the foundation for many of the sapphic romance books we enjoy today.
The novel follows Stephen Gordon from childhood into adulthood as she struggles to understand her identity and navigate a society that refuses to accept women who love women. Along the way, Stephen experiences love, heartbreak, loneliness, and the painful reality of living authentically in a world determined to push her to the margins.
What makes this novel so fascinating isn’t just the story itself but the history surrounding it. The book was banned for obscenity in Britain despite containing no explicit sexual content, simply because it portrayed a lesbian relationship with sympathy. Reading it today offers a powerful reminder of how much progress has been made while also highlighting the barriers queer authors once faced.
If you’re expecting a cosy romance with a happily-ever-after, this probably isn’t the book for you. Instead, think of it as an essential piece of literary history that gives context to the incredible variety of sapphic romance novels being published today.
Who might like this? Readers who enjoy classic literature, LGBTQ+ history, feminist texts, and thought-provoking novels. It’s an especially rewarding read for anyone curious about the origins of modern sapphic fiction.
Check out this post! 11 Unique Book Club Ideas That Will Create Lasting Memories – ByIzzyLily
Contemporary Lit, Spicy Sapphic Books, Ya Sapphic Novels
3. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring-Blake
If someone asked me to recommend just one of the most popular sapphic romance books, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care would be near the top of my list. It’s funny, heartwarming, a little bit spicy, and packed with the kind of chemistry that has you grinning at the page.
Delilah hasn’t set foot in her hometown for years, and she’d happily keep it that way if she weren’t guilted into returning for her stepsister’s wedding. Her plan is simple: survive the weekend and leave. Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t planning on meeting Claire, a single mum with a kind heart and enough patience to slowly chip away at Delilah’s carefully built walls.
Ashley Herring-Blake writes relationships that feel wonderfully authentic. The flirtation is effortless, the dialogue is genuinely funny, and both women are allowed to be messy, vulnerable, and completely human. It’s one of those books where you find yourself rooting for the characters from the very first chapter.
If you’re looking for sapphic romance books that perfectly balance humour, emotional depth, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, this is an excellent place to start. It’s easy to see why it’s become one of the best lesbian romance novels of recent years.
Who might like this? Anyone who loves small-town romance, found family, witty banter, opposites attract, and contemporary romance with plenty of heart.
Check out this post! 8 FREE Summer Themed Bookish Wallpaper For Your Phone – ByIzzyLily
4. It Started with a Kiss by Clare Lydon
Clare Lydon has become one of the biggest names in sapphic romance, and It Started with a Kiss is a brilliant example of why readers keep coming back to her books.
The story begins with one unexpected kiss that changes everything, forcing two women to reconsider what they thought they knew about friendship, attraction, and love. What follows is a wonderfully slow build filled with awkward moments, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of laugh-out-loud dialogue.
One of the best things about Clare Lydon’s writing is how comfortable it feels. The romance develops naturally without unnecessary drama, making it incredibly easy to sink into the story. If you’re after a book that feels like watching your favourite romantic comedy on a rainy afternoon, this is exactly that.
While there are emotional moments throughout, the overall tone remains light, hopeful, and incredibly comforting, making it one of those sapphic romance novels you’ll probably finish in a single weekend.
Who might like this? Readers looking for feel-good sapphic romance books, fans of friends-to-lovers stories, and anyone wanting a romance that’s equal parts funny and heart warming.
5. D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
Fake dating is one of my favourite romance tropes, so when you combine it with a reality TV competition and a sapphic love story, you already have my attention.
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding follows two women who agree to fake an engagement in order to win a reality TV competition. Naturally, pretending to be in love becomes much more complicated when genuine feelings begin to develop.
The premise is fun from the very first page, but what really makes this one shine is the relationship between D’Vaughn and Kris. Their connection feels genuine, their conversations are full of warmth, and watching them slowly realise they’re falling for each other is incredibly satisfying.
It’s no surprise this has become one of the most popular sapphic romance books among readers looking for something uplifting. It delivers exactly what great romance should: plenty of swoon-worthy moments, believable emotional growth, and a happy ending you’ll be cheering for.
Who might like this? Fans of fake dating, reality TV, romantic comedies, and readers searching for joyful sapphic romance with plenty of humour.
6. Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
If you’ve ever watched The Great British Bake Off and wished there were more romance, Love and Other Disasters absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Set during a televised cooking competition, the novel follows two contestants whose growing attraction becomes just as compelling as the competition itself. While the book also features excellent non-binary representation, it’s frequently recommended alongside the very best sapphic romance books because of its warmth, inclusivity, and wonderfully developed relationships.
Beyond the romance, the cooking competition adds a unique backdrop filled with delicious food, friendly rivalries, and plenty of cosy moments. Anita Kelly creates characters who feel incredibly real, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journey.
This is the perfect reminder that romance doesn’t need huge amounts of drama to be compelling. Sometimes watching two genuinely kind people slowly fall in love is more than enough.
Who might like this? Readers who love cosy romances, cooking competitions, character-driven stories, and contemporary sapphic romance novels with lots of heart.
Check out this post! 15 Unique Bookish Things To Do In London That Will Make a Readers Day – ByIzzyLily
7. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Honey Girl is one of those books that’s difficult to put into a single genre. While it contains a beautiful romance, it’s also a coming-of-age story for your twenties, exploring burnout, identity, friendship, and the overwhelming feeling of wondering what comes next after you’ve achieved everything you thought you wanted.
Grace Porter has just completed her PhD, but instead of feeling accomplished, she feels completely lost. After a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas, she wakes up married to a woman she barely knows. Rather than immediately ending the marriage, Grace decides to travel across the country to get to know her new wife, and what follows is a thoughtful journey of self-discovery, healing, and learning that life doesn’t always have to follow a carefully planned timeline.
Unlike many sapphic romance books, the romance isn’t the sole focus here. Instead, it’s woven beautifully into Grace’s wider journey of finding herself, making the emotional payoff feel even more rewarding. Morgan Rogers writes with warmth and honesty, creating characters that feel deeply relatable, especially if you’ve ever experienced anxiety about your future.
If you’re looking for one of the best lesbian romance novels that offers much more than just a love story, this is an unforgettable read.
Who might like this? Readers in their twenties, fans of literary fiction, slow-burn romance, found family, and emotional stories about discovering who you are.
Check out this post! 6 Cute Printable Bookmarks For When Reading Needs Something Extra – ByIzzyLily
8. Party Favors by Erin McLellan
If your ideal romance is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and seriously steamy, Party Favors should immediately go onto your TBR.
This festive novella follows two women whose chemistry is undeniable from the moment they meet. What begins as a casual holiday fling quickly develops into something far more meaningful, proving that sometimes the best romances are the ones you never planned for.
Despite its shorter length, Erin McLellan manages to create believable characters with fantastic chemistry and plenty of emotional depth. The pacing never feels rushed, and the romance is packed with flirtatious banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and some very spicy scenes.
Among contemporary sapphic romance books, this is one of the easiest recommendations for readers looking for something fun and sexy without sacrificing an engaging love story.
Who might like this? Readers who love spicy romances, holiday settings, quick reads, and romantic comedies with lots of chemistry.
9. Treasure by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Rebekah Weatherspoon has built a reputation for writing romances that are as emotionally satisfying as they are steamy, and Treasure is no exception.
Alexandria is focused on university and building the future she’s always dreamed of when she meets Treasure, a confident dancer whose outlook on life couldn’t be more different from her own. As their relationship grows, both women begin challenging each other’s assumptions about love, ambition, and vulnerability.
What makes this novel stand out among the many sapphic romance novels available today is the emotional honesty behind the romance. While the chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, the story also explores confidence, self-worth, and allowing yourself to be loved exactly as you are.
It’s sexy, heartfelt, and incredibly easy to binge in just a few sittings.
Who might like this? Fans of steamy contemporary romance, opposites attract, emotionally rich love stories, and readers searching for best lesbian romance novels with memorable characters.
10. Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald
If you’ve ever dreamed of falling in love in Hollywood, Sizzle Reel might just become your next favourite read.
Luna Roth has finally landed her dream internship as a television writer, but balancing her ambitions with her personal life becomes much more complicated when she finds herself falling for one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
The entertainment industry provides the perfect backdrop for this charming romance, giving readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into television writing while delivering plenty of witty dialogue, romantic tension, and emotional moments. Carlyn Greenwald captures both the excitement and uncertainty of chasing your dream career while navigating an unexpected relationship.
It’s a refreshing addition to modern sapphic romance books, offering something a little different from the usual small-town romances while still delivering all the swoon-worthy moments readers hope for.
Who might like this? Readers who love celebrity romance, workplace romance, Hollywood settings, and funny, contemporary sapphic romance.
11. Ribbonwood by Ruby Landers
Sometimes the quietest romances leave the biggest impression, and that’s exactly what Ribbonwood does.
Set in rural Australia, this beautifully written novel tells a story of healing, second chances, and finding unexpected love in the middle of life’s most difficult moments. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the novel focuses on creating authentic relationships that develop slowly and naturally.
Ruby Landers takes her time with the characters, allowing readers to become fully invested in their emotional journeys. The countryside setting adds another layer of comfort, making this one of those books that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.
If you’re searching for sapphic romance novels with plenty of emotional depth, this hidden gem deserves far more attention than it gets.
Who might like this? Fans of slow-burn romance, small-town settings, emotional character development, and quieter love stories.
12. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
If someone asked me for the best sapphic fantasy books, Gideon the Ninth would be one of my very first recommendations. Equal parts fantasy, science fiction, gothic horror, and murder mystery, this book is unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
The story follows Gideon Nav, an irreverent swordswoman who is forced to accompany her sworn enemy, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, to a deadly competition where necromancers must solve ancient mysteries if they hope to gain unimaginable power.
Don’t expect this to be a straightforward romance. The sapphic tension simmers beneath layers of political intrigue, sarcastic humour, and unforgettable world-building. Tamsyn Muir creates an incredibly unique universe that’s both confusing and fascinating in the very best way.
If you’re looking for sapphic romantasy books with dark magic, morally grey characters, and unforgettable heroines, this absolutely belongs on your reading list.
Who might like this? Readers who love gothic fantasy, enemies-to-lovers tension, complex world-building, and dark humour.
13. Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
Witches, political intrigue, ancient magic, and a cast of unforgettable women—Her Majesty’s Royal Coven has everything I want from modern fantasy.
Set in a world where witches secretly protect Britain, the novel follows a group of childhood friends whose relationships are tested when a powerful magical prophecy threatens everything they thought they knew.
Juno Dawson effortlessly blends fantasy with contemporary issues surrounding identity, friendship, prejudice, and power. While romance isn’t the primary focus, the sapphic relationships feel authentic and meaningful, making this one of the standout best sapphic fantasy books published in recent years.
It’s fast-paced, emotional, and impossible to put down once the story gets going.
Who might like this? Fans of witchy books, urban fantasy, magical politics, and readers looking for lesbian fantasy romance books with rich characters and high stakes.
Check out this post! Stunning, Free Reading Tracker Printable For Organising Your Reading Goals – ByIzzyLily
14. A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
If you’re searching for one of the best sapphic fantasy books, A Day of Fallen Night is an absolute masterpiece. Set centuries before The Priory of the Orange Tree, this sweeping epic proves exactly why Samantha Shannon has become one of fantasy’s biggest names.
The story follows four women from different corners of the world as dragons awaken, kingdoms begin to crumble, and ancient magic resurfaces. Each character has her own journey, but together they create a breathtaking story filled with political intrigue, sacrifice, friendship, and love.
Although this isn’t a romance-first novel, the sapphic relationships woven throughout the story feel incredibly genuine. Rather than existing purely for representation, they’re deeply intertwined with the characters’ motivations and emotional growth, making every relationship feel earned.
The world-building is simply phenomenal. Every kingdom has its own history, mythology, and traditions, creating a fantasy world that feels completely alive. If you enjoy getting lost in rich lore and following multiple storylines that eventually come together, you’ll have an incredible time with this book.
Among modern sapphic romantasy books, few feel quite as ambitious or immersive as this one. It’s the kind of novel you’ll still be thinking about long after you’ve turned the final page.
Who might like this? Epic fantasy lovers, dragon enthusiasts, fans of slow-burn relationships, and anyone looking for one of the best sapphic fantasy books ever written.
15. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
Some books feel more like poetry than novels, and This Is How You Lose the Time War is one of them.
The story follows two rival agents, Red and Blue, who fight on opposite sides of a war spanning countless timelines. What begins as taunting letters left for one another slowly transforms into one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read.
This isn’t an action-heavy science fiction novel despite its premise. Instead, it’s an incredibly lyrical exploration of love, loyalty, identity, and connection. Every chapter feels carefully crafted, and the writing is so beautiful that you’ll probably find yourself rereading entire paragraphs just to appreciate them.
Although technically science fiction rather than fantasy, this novel is frequently recommended alongside the best sapphic romantasy books because of its emotional storytelling and unforgettable romance.
It’s short enough to finish in a weekend but profound enough to stay with you for years afterwards.
Who might like this? Readers who love poetic writing, emotional slow burns, unique science fiction, and beautifully written sapphic romance novels.
16. Seven Devils by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May
If you’re looking for sapphic relationships alongside fast-paced space battles, morally grey heroes, and a rebellion against a ruthless empire, Seven Devils is well worth picking up.
The novel follows Eris, the daughter of a powerful general, who joins forces with a group of rebels determined to overthrow the government that once controlled her life. Alongside explosive action sequences and political intrigue, the story explores trust, friendship, and sapphic attraction in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
The ensemble cast is one of the book’s biggest strengths, with each character bringing something different to the story. While romance doesn’t dominate the narrative, the queer representation feels refreshingly normal within the wider world.
Although this is firmly science fiction rather than fantasy, readers searching for lesbian fantasy romance books or speculative fiction with sapphic protagonists will likely find exactly what they’re looking for here.
Who might like this? Fans of Star Wars, found family, space operas, strong female casts, and action-packed LGBTQ+ fiction.
Check out this post! 23 Cozy Books For Fall Romance Readers Absolutely Love – ByIzzyLily
17. She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
If you’re after a light-hearted YA romance that will leave you smiling from beginning to end, She Drives Me Crazy is an easy recommendation.
After an embarrassing run-in with her school’s most popular girl, basketball star Scottie finds herself forced into an unlikely fake-dating arrangement with the very person she’d rather avoid. Unsurprisingly, pretending to be girlfriends becomes much more complicated when real feelings begin to develop.
Kelly Quindlen perfectly captures all the awkwardness, excitement, and intensity of first love. The dialogue feels realistic, the humour lands beautifully, and both main characters experience meaningful personal growth throughout the story.
It’s sweet without being overly sentimental and delivers exactly the kind of butterflies you’d hope for from a young adult romance.
This remains one of the most popular sapphic romance books for younger readers and is a brilliant introduction to LGBTQ+ romance.
Who might like this? Fans of fake dating, high school romance, rom-coms, and readers looking for wholesome YA sapphic romance books.
18. Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen
Her Name in the Sky is a much more emotional read than Kelly Quindlen’s later work, exploring first love, religion, identity, and the fear of being rejected for who you are.
The novel follows Hannah and Baker, two best friends attending a conservative Catholic school who slowly realise that their feelings for each other go far beyond friendship. As they struggle to reconcile their faith with their sexuality, both girls are forced to make incredibly difficult choices.
This is a deeply personal story that doesn’t shy away from the realities many LGBTQ+ teenagers face. While it contains plenty of heartbreaking moments, it’s ultimately a hopeful novel about finding the courage to live honestly.
Among YA sapphic romance novels, it’s often praised for its emotional authenticity and compassionate portrayal of growing up queer.
Who might like this? Readers who enjoy emotional coming-of-age stories, slow-burn romance, and realistic LGBTQ+ fiction.
Check out this post! 65 Powerful Book Club Questions For Self Help Books You Can Steal Right Now – ByIzzyLily
19. Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
Aisling has a habit of fixing everyone else’s problems while completely ignoring her own. So when she accidentally finds herself blackmailing one of her teachers, things spiral into a chaotic series of favours, schemes, and unexpected friendships.
Along the way, Aisling develops feelings she wasn’t expecting, leading to a wonderfully awkward and incredibly funny sapphic romance.
Ciara Smyth has a gift for writing teenagers who actually sound like teenagers. The humour feels effortless, the dialogue is sharp, and beneath all the comedy is a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of family, mental health, and self-worth.
It’s one of those YA novels that’s impossible not to fly through because every chapter leaves you wanting just one more.
Who might like this? Fans of witty contemporary YA, messy heroines, laugh-out-loud humour, and charming sapphic romance books.
20. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
If you’re looking for one of the best lesbian romance novels set in the past, Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a phenomenal choice.
Set in 1950s San Francisco during the Red Scare, the novel follows seventeen-year-old Lily Hu as she begins questioning her identity and discovers a secret lesbian nightclub called the Telegraph Club.
Malinda Lo brings the historical setting to life with incredible attention to detail, capturing both the excitement of first love and the fear of living openly during a time of intense prejudice. The romance is beautifully written, but it’s the atmosphere and historical context that truly make this novel unforgettable.
Rather than simply telling a love story, the book highlights an important chapter of LGBTQ+ history while reminding readers of the resilience shown by queer communities throughout the decades.
Who might like this? Fans of historical fiction, beautifully written YA, slow-burn romance, and readers wanting one of the best lesbian romance novels of the last decade.
21. The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
If you enjoy thrillers just as much as romance, The Girls I’ve Been offers something refreshingly different.
Nora has spent years reinventing herself after escaping a childhood spent helping her con artist mother manipulate dangerous men. When a bank robbery traps Nora inside with both her current girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend, she’s forced to rely on every identity she’s ever created just to survive.
The romance takes a back seat to the action, but Nora’s bisexual identity and her relationship with Iris are woven naturally into the story. Combined with relentless pacing and constant twists, it makes for an incredibly addictive read.
This isn’t a traditional sapphic romance novel, but it’s a fantastic recommendation for readers who enjoy queer representation outside of straightforward romance.
Who might like this? Fans of thrillers, strong female protagonists, fast-paced YA, and LGBTQ+ stories with plenty of suspense.
22. The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
If you love beautifully written historical fiction with rich atmosphere, The Mercies is a book that deserves a place on your shelf. Inspired by the real-life Vardø witch trials of seventeenth-century Norway, it tells the story of two women whose lives become intertwined in a community shaped by grief, suspicion, and fear.
After a devastating storm wipes out nearly all of the men in a remote fishing village, the women are forced to take over every aspect of daily life. When a witch hunter arrives with his young wife, Ursa, the balance of the village begins to shift, and an unexpected connection forms between Ursa and Maren.
This isn’t one of those sapphic romance books filled with grand declarations of love. Instead, it’s a slow-burning historical novel where every glance and conversation carries emotional weight. Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s writing is stunning, creating an atmosphere that’s both haunting and deeply moving.
Although the romance is subtle, the relationship at the heart of the novel feels incredibly authentic. It’s a story about courage, compassion, and choosing love in a world determined to punish those who are different.
Who might like this? Readers who enjoy literary fiction, historical novels, witch trials, beautifully descriptive writing, and slower-paced sapphic romance novels.
23. They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
If dark academia, serial killers, and morally grey women sound like your kind of book, They Never Learn needs to be on your TBR.
Scarlett Clark is an English professor with a deadly secret. Every year, she hunts down predatory men who have escaped justice and makes sure they never hurt another woman again. As suspicion around the murders grows, Scarlett’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel.
While this is first and foremost a psychological thriller rather than a romance, Scarlett’s relationships with women add another fascinating layer to her character. Layne Fargo creates a protagonist who is impossible to categorise as either hero or villain, making every chapter feel morally complicated in the best possible way.
If you’re expecting one of the traditional sapphic romance books, this isn’t it. Instead, it’s a gripping thriller featuring a compelling queer protagonist and plenty of sharp commentary on gender, power, and justice.
Who might like this? Fans of dark academia, psychological thrillers, morally grey heroines, and LGBTQ+ fiction with a darker edge.
Check out this post! The Spooky Girl’s Pocket Guide to Gothic Fiction – ByIzzyLily
24. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson has an extraordinary ability to say so much with so few words, and Red at the Bone is a perfect example of that gift.
Beginning at a coming-of-age ceremony for sixteen-year-old Melody, the novel gradually pieces together her family’s history, exploring love, race, class, identity, and the decisions that shape generations.
Although it isn’t primarily a sapphic romance novel, the book includes beautifully written queer representation that feels completely natural within the wider story. Rather than focusing on romance alone, Woodson examines family relationships with incredible tenderness and emotional honesty.
This is a quiet, reflective novel that rewards readers willing to slow down and appreciate its lyrical prose. Every chapter adds another piece to the puzzle, creating a deeply moving portrait of one family’s journey.
Who might like this? Readers who enjoy literary fiction, family sagas, lyrical writing, and emotionally rich LGBTQ+ stories.
25. Every Step She Takes by Alice Cochrun
Every Step She Takes blends heartfelt romance with themes of healing, forgiveness, and learning to trust again.
The story follows two women brought together by unexpected circumstances, each carrying emotional wounds that make opening up to another person feel almost impossible. As their relationship slowly develops, they begin helping each other confront the fears they’ve been carrying for years.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the novel focuses on emotional growth and the gradual development of trust, making the romance feel believable from beginning to end.
If you’re searching for sapphic romance books that prioritise character development over endless drama, this is a lovely choice. Kelly Irvin creates thoughtful, compassionate characters whose journey feels every bit as rewarding as their eventual romance.
Who might like this? Readers who love emotional contemporary romance, slow-burn relationships, and uplifting sapphic romance novels.
Check out this post! How To Start A Reading Journal and 64 Creative Page Ideas – ByIzzyLily
26. Can We Skip to the Good Part by Melissa Brayden
Sometimes you just want a romance that’s fun, relatable, and full of heart, and Can We Skip to the Good Part delivers exactly that.
The novel follows two women trying to navigate careers, friendships, dating disasters, and the uncertainty that comes with adulthood. As they grow closer, what begins as friendship gradually develops into something much deeper.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is how realistic the characters feel. Their conversations are awkward in the best way, their insecurities are relatable, and their growing relationship unfolds naturally rather than feeling rushed.
It’s the kind of contemporary sapphic romance that reminds you love doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s simply about finding the person who makes everyday life a little brighter.
Who might like this? Fans of romantic comedies, friends-to-lovers stories, millennial life, and cosy sapphic romance novels.
This post was all about sapphic romance novels to add to your TBR
Take a bubble bath in the words of the ByIzzyLily universe!
How to Finally Tackle Your TBR With 25 Cozy Date With a Book Ideas – ByIzzyLily
13 Gut-Wrenching, Saddest Books To Read When You Need To Cry – ByIzzyLily
