Best Lesbian Books 2023

I dove deep into Goodreads this year to track the best lesbian books of 2023, and let me tell you, the competition was fierce. One standout is 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur—a rom-com with fake dating, family drama, and electric chemistry. The way Bellefleur balances humor with tender moments makes it impossible to put down. Another gem is 'Something Wild & Wonderful' by Anita Kelly, a road-trip romance that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about love. The prose is lyrical, and the emotional depth hits hard.

Then there’s 'I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself' by Marisa Crane, a dystopian queer story that’s raw and poetic. It’s not your typical romance; it’s a meditation on grief, parenthood, and resistance. For fans of historical fiction, 'The Mimicking of Known Successes' by Malka Older offers a sapphic mystery on a gaslit Jupiter colony—think Holmes and Watson but gayer and in space. The world-building is immersive, and the slow-burn tension is chef’s kiss.

Honorable mentions go to 'We Could Be So Good' by Cat Sebastian (1950s reporters falling in love? Yes, please) and 'The Celebrants' by Steven Rowley (not strictly lesbian but queer-centric, with heart-wrenching friendships). The variety this year proves sapphic stories are thriving in every genre.

As someone who devours LGBTQ+ literature, I’ve been thrilled by the wave of incredible lesbian books in 2024. One standout is 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur, a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com about a fake engagement that turns into something real. Another gem is 'She Gets the Girl' by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick, a tender coming-of-age story about two girls navigating love and self-discovery. For fans of fantasy, 'The Jasmine Throne' by Tasha Suri offers a lush, epic tale of rebellion and forbidden romance.

If you’re into historical fiction, 'Last Night at the Telegraph Club' by Malinda Lo is a must-read, capturing the clandestine love of two women in 1950s San Francisco. Contemporary readers will adore 'Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating' by Adiba Jaigirdar, a sweet and witty take on fake relationships. Each of these books brings something unique to the table, from swoon-worthy romance to gripping narratives, making them perfect picks for 2024.

If you're looking for sapphic stories that'll sweep you off your feet this year, let me gush about a few gems tearing up my TBR pile. 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur is my current obsession—a fake-dating rom-com with heiresses, bookstore drama, and enough witty banter to fuel a dozen fanfics. For something grittier, 'Girl, Serpent, Thorn' by Melissa Bashardoust blends Persian mythology with a beautifully toxic f/f romance that lingers like poisoned honey.

Don't sleep on 'One Last Stop' by Casey McQuiston either; it's a time-traveling subway meet-cute that made me tear up on public transport. And if you want historical depth, 'The Price of Salt' (aka 'Carol') still hits like a velvet glove—Patricia Highsmith's prose turns longing into something you can taste. This year's releases are proving queer love stories can be messy, magical, and unapologetically center women who love women without being reducible to trauma tropes.

This year has brought forth an incredible range of lesbian love story books that really tug at the heartstrings. One standout has to be 'Delilah Green Doesn't Care' by Ashley Herring Blake. It’s this playful yet poignant tale about Delilah, a photographer who returns to her small hometown for her stepsister’s wedding. The chemistry between Delilah and Claire, the bride’s best friend, is electric. Their banter and burgeoning romance are just as beautiful as the backdrop of the wedding festivities. I can’t help but love how Blake captures the complexities of relationships—both familial and romantic—while providing some unforgettable laugh-out-loud moments.

Then there's 'The Falling in Love Montage' by Ciara Smyth. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy, this story focuses on a girl named Saoirse who embraces a summer fling with a girl she can't quite commit to. It’s light yet emotionally charged, reminding us of those fleeting moments that leave unforgettable impressions. If you’re into stories where characters grapple with feelings while also navigating personal challenges, this book does just that brilliantly!

Lastly, 'One Last Stop' by Casey McQuiston is truly a must-read, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy with a heartfelt love story. The tale of August, who finds herself traveling through time when she meets a girl stuck on a subway, is both intriguing and romantic. McQuiston’s writing style has this vibrant energy that leaves you wishing for more each turn of the page. This book also explores LGBTQ+ themes and the concept of found family, which I find so moving and emphasizes love in diverse forms. Each of these titles speaks to different facets of love, making 2023 a memorable year for LGBTQ+ literature.

2023 has been an absolute feast for sapphic stories. One standout is 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur—a fake-dating rom-com with hilarious banter and a slow-burn chemistry that’ll make you swoon. For something more tender, 'I Kissed Shara Wheeler' by Casey McQuiston (yes, the 'Red, White & Royal Blue' author!) delivers a rivals-to-lovers arc with small-town charm and messy, heartfelt emotions.

If you crave historical vibes, 'The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite is a gorgeous slow burn about two women finding love and purpose in 19th-century England. For contemporary depth, 'Honey Girl' by Morgan Rogers blends romance with existential quarter-life crisis vibes—perfect for anyone who’s ever felt lost. And don’t skip 'One Last Stop' by Casey McQuiston, a time-bending subway romance that’s equal parts steamy and soulful. These books aren’t just about love; they’re about finding yourself alongside someone who sees you completely.

2023 had some incredible lesbian romance books that flew off the shelves. One standout was 'Honey and Spice' by Bolu Babalola, which is technically a 2022 release but dominated sales well into 2023. It follows a sharp-witted college radio host who fakes a relationship with the campus playboy to save her reputation, only to discover unexpected chemistry. The banter is electric, the cultural references vibrant, and the emotional depth makes it more than just a fling story. Readers couldn't get enough of how Babalola blends Nigerian-British culture with universal themes of love and self-discovery.

Another huge seller was 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Belleflette. This one hit all the right notes with its marriage-of-convenience trope between a shy bookstore owner and a glamorous heiress. The tension between 'just business' and genuine affection kept readers glued to the pages. Belleflette has a knack for writing characters who feel like friends, and the way she balanced family drama with slow-burn romance made this a favorite in book clubs. The paperback release in early 2023 caused a second wave of sales that kept it on bestseller lists for months.

For those who prefer historical settings, 'A Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite saw a resurgence in popularity after its sequel won awards. The story of an astronomer widow and the talented woman who helps her translate groundbreaking scientific works is both tender and intellectually stimulating. Waite's attention to period detail—especially how women navigated societal constraints—adds layers to the romance. Many readers praised how the book makes 19th-century science feel thrilling and relevant. The emotional payoff when the two leads finally embrace their feelings is one of the most satisfying in queer historical romance.

Contemporary fans propelled 'Delilah Green Doesn’t Care' by Ashley Herring Blake to bestseller status too. Set in a small town with messy family dynamics, it’s about a photographer who returns home and connects with her stepsister’s best friend. Blake excels at writing flawed characters who grow through love, and the steamy scenes are interspersed with poignant moments of vulnerability. The way the book handles themes of chosen family resonated deeply with readers, leading to massive word-of-mouth recommendations. Its sequel also did well, proving readers craved more from this universe.

Lastly, 'Something to Talk About' by Meryl Wilsner maintained strong sales thanks to its Hollywood-set plot about a showrunner and her assistant navigating rumors of an affair. The power dynamics could’ve felt icky, but Wilsner handles the age gap and workplace tension with nuance. What starts as professional respect blossoms into something richer, and the paparazzi subplot adds just enough drama. Readers loved how it subverts the 'boss romance' trope by making both women equally complex. The audiobook version, narrated by a cast with chemistry, probably boosted those sales even higher.

I’ve been absolutely enchanted by the wave of lesbian literature in 2023 that delivers joy and happy endings. One standout is 'Delilah Green Doesn’t Care' by Ashley Herring Blake. This book is a masterclass in slow-burn romance, following Delilah, a prickly photographer, and Claire, a single mom, as they navigate unresolved tensions and a wedding in their hometown. The chemistry between them is electric, and the way their relationship unfolds—full of banter, vulnerability, and growth—makes the happy ending feel earned and utterly satisfying. The supporting cast, especially Claire’s fiery daughter, adds layers of warmth and humor to the story.

Another gem is 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur. This rom-com is pure delight, featuring a fake-dating trope between Tansy, a bookstore owner, and Gemma, a runaway heiress. The wit is sharp, the romance is swoon-worthy, and the absurdly charming premise leads to a finale that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Bellefleur has a knack for crafting characters who feel like friends, and the way Tansy and Gemma challenge each other’s insecurities while falling in love is downright magical. The book’s playful tone and vibrant energy make it a perfect pick-me-up.

For those who crave historical settings, 'The Perishing' by Natashia Deón is a stunning blend of speculative fiction and romance. While it’s not a traditional love story, the bond between Lou, an immortal Black woman, and Sarah, a journalist in 1930s Los Angeles, is tender and profound. Their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of racial tension and supernatural intrigue, but the heart of the story is their unwavering support for each other. The ending is bittersweet yet hopeful, leaving readers with a sense of resilience and love’s enduring power.

If you’re into contemporary coming-of-age tales, 'She Gets the Girl' by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick is a must-read. This YA romance follows Alex, a chaotic flirt, and Molly, a shy overachiever, as they team up to win over their respective crushes—only to fall for each other instead. The authors nail the awkward, exhilarating rush of first love, and the payoff is a beautifully realized happy ending that feels authentic and uplifting. The book’s exploration of identity, family, and self-acceptance adds depth to the fluffier moments, making it a well-rounded read.

Lastly, 'Kiss Her Once for Me' by Alison Cochrun is a holiday-themed romance that’s as cozy as a cup of hot cocoa. Ellie, a struggling artist, and Jack, a pragmatic landlady, enter a fake marriage for financial reasons, but their chemistry is undeniable. Cochrun’s writing is achingly romantic, and the way she balances humor with emotional depth ensures the happy ending lands with maximum impact. The book’s themes of second chances and chosen family resonate long after the last page.

2023 had some absolute gems in lesbian romance. 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur was a massive hit—its fake dating trope mixed with wedding chaos made it impossible to put down. Then there’s 'She Gets the Girl' by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick, a rivals-to-lovers story with so much chemistry it practically sizzles off the page.

Another standout was 'I Kissed Shara Wheeler' by Casey McQuiston, which blended mystery and romance in a way that felt fresh and addictive. For those who love historical settings, 'The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite continued to dominate sales with its lush prose and feminist undertones. And let’s not forget 'Honey Girl' by Morgan Rogers, a quieter but deeply emotional story about self-discovery and love. These books not topped charts but also resonated deeply with readers, proving lesbian romance is thriving.

As a voracious reader who thrives on exploring diverse love stories, I’ve spent the past year diving deep into lesbian romance novels, and a few publishers have truly stood out in 2023. Bold Strokes Books is a powerhouse in LGBTQ+ romance, consistently releasing emotionally rich and culturally resonant titles. Their 2023 lineup includes gems like 'The Fiancée Farce' by Alexandria Bellefleur, a fauxmance trope done with sharp wit and tender moments, and 'The Romance Recipe' by Ruby Barrett, which blends culinary passion with slow-burn romance. The way they prioritize authentic representation without sacrificing steam or storytelling finesse makes them a go-to for readers craving depth.

Another standout is Carina Press, an imprint of Harlequin, which has been pushing boundaries with its queer romance offerings. Their 2023 releases, like 'Count Your Lucky Stars' by Alexandria Bellefleur (yes, she’s prolific!), deliver warmth and humor while tackling themes of second-chance love and self-discovery. What I admire about Carina is their ability to balance commercial appeal with nuanced character arcs—think flawed, relatable heroines navigating love and life in ways that feel refreshingly real. Meanwhile, indie publisher Ylva Publishing continues to carve a niche with European-inspired romances like 'The Secret Poet' by Georgia Beers, where quiet yearning and small-town charm collide. Their focus on emotional intimacy over melodrama resonates deeply with readers who prefer subtlety over grand gestures.

For those who love historical settings, Bella Books’ 2023 catalog shines with titles like 'The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite, a Regency-era romance blending science and sapphic passion. Their meticulous attention to period detail and feminist undertones makes their books a hit among readers who want love stories with intellectual heft. And let’s not forget self-published sensations—authors like Haley Cass ('Those Who Wait') and E.J. Noyes ('Ask, Tell') have built massive followings by bypassing traditional gatekeepers, offering raw, unfiltered narratives that often eclipse mainstream releases in emotional impact. Whether you prioritize lyrical prose, steamy encounters, or social commentary, 2023’s best lesbian romances are scattered across these publishers, each bringing something unique to the shelf.