Jae's Blog, page 13
January 5, 2023
Sapphic age gap romance (Sapphic Book Bingo 2023 #1)
Welcome to the Sapphic Book Bingo 2023! I hope you had a good start into the new year and are ready for the first category of the 2023 reading challenge. We are starting with a very popular trope: sapphic age gap romances.
Check out the rules & download your Sapphic Book Bingo card
If you haven’t done so already, check out the rules of the Sapphic Book Bingo, read the descriptions of the categories, and download your bingo card. Then come back here to take a look at my suggestions for the first square below.
15 sapphic age-gap romance novels
Here are my recommendations for sapphic age-gap romane novels:
Just a Touch Away by Jae
Hannah Martin has an unusual job: she’s a professional cuddler. While she has a big heart for her clients, she hasn’t found someone special to snuggle up to in her personal life.
Winter Sullivan isn’t looking for love. She’s an aloof workaholic who’s built walls of ice around herself. She would rather drive toothpicks under her fingernails than cuddle, and she certainly doesn’t want to share her space with anyone.
When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her one last surprise: she and Hannah, a perfect stranger, will inherit a building together. But there’s a catch: first, they have to live together for ninety-two days.
Winter is determined to dislike her rival, but soon finds Hannah isn’t what she expected at all. Thanks to a hilarious doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of places, the frosty fortress around her heart begins to melt.
Will she be able to accept that love might be just a touch away?
Available at:
Simply the Best by Karin Kallmaker
Simply the Worst…Alice Cabot’s only great love is science, but a lapse in judgment has exiled the New York journalist to the glitzy Gallerias and vapid bubble-babble of Beverly Hills. The assignment to do a flattering feature series on Simply the Best and the superficial nonsense it sells threatens to crush what little is left of her spirit.
Simply the Best…Pepper Addington can’t believe she’s moved up from grunt intern to personal assistant for Helene Jolie, the celebrity socialite founder of SimplytheBest.com. Succeeding at the job she worked so hard to get is her only priority. Keep a cynical know-it-all reporter in check? She promises Helene that she can.
Simply Irresistible…Expecting nothing but games from the beach-blond surfer girl that Helene Jolie has assigned to keep an eye on her, Alice is fully prepared to resist any and all of California’s charms. Or so she thinks.
Available at:
The Fixer by Lee Winter
A naive activist is hired by a corporate villain but doesn’t realize it. Cue one awkward farce, a twisty puzzle, and the slowest of slow burns in this opposites-attract, ice queen romance.
Nine years ago, aloof, icy Michelle Hastings chose career over love. She’s now living with that choice as she rules a secret corporation catering to the rich and powerful.
Enter Eden Lawless. The guileless activist finds it a bit weird being employed by a mystery organization to bring down a corrupt mayor. But, hey, she’s up for a challenge. Much harder is getting her beautiful new boss out of her head. The pull between them is electric.
Available at:
Amazon (out on January 25)
Apple Books (out on January 25)
Something’s Different by Quinn Ivins
Unemployed academic Caitlyn Taylor comes home to family drama. Her carefree twin Chloe plans to ditch her job to visit a guy she met online. Caitlyn steps in to impersonate Chloe so she won’t get fired for skipping town. Unfortunately, this means answering phones for an icy, dismissive boss.
Busy college president Ruth Holloway never paid much attention to her mediocre assistant. Suddenly, “Chloe” demonstrates insight into faculty politics and a baffling talent for analytics. And since when has she been so attractive?
Caitlyn dreams of getting closer to her sister’s boss but how can she? Everything they’ve shared has been based on a lie.
Available at:
The Duet by Harper Bliss
The Lady Kings and their singer, Lana Lynch, have been out of the limelight since Lana’s partner’s sudden death ten years ago. They’re ready for an epic comeback tour, but have to take a young and hip support band with them.
Cleo Palmer and The Other Women are over the moon when they get booked to support their lifelong idols and share the stage with the iconic Lady Kings—especially queer legend Lana Lynch.
But when Lana invites her to sing a sensual duet together every night, Cleo gets way more than she bargained for.
Lana and Cleo’s on-stage chemistry is off the charts, but the differences in their age and life experience, not to mention some dramatic band politics, prove difficult to overcome.
Can Lana and Cleo find their way to each other once the spotlights are switched off?
Available at:
Looking for Trouble by Jess Lea
Nancy is sick of living in the share house from hell, getting dumped by women who aren’t that into her, and being stuck in dead-end jobs. It’s time to chase her dream to become a political journalist, get her own funky inner-city Melbourne place, and meet Ms Right.
Instead, she meets cranky George, a butch, tattooed bus driver and party volunteer who’s dodging a vengeful ex-girlfriend. George thinks Nancy is stuck up; Nancy thinks George is the rudest woman she’s ever met.
The warring pair is caught up in the crazy election campaign of Clara West, a maverick running on the bizarre promise to shut down the internet. Rich, sexy, and dangerous, Clara will stop at nothing in the pursuit of power.
Nancy and George must learn to trust each other and act fast if they want to stay alive.
Available at:
Truth and Measure by Roslyn Sinclair
Jules Moretti is newly single, an aspiring writer, and the hyper-competent assistant to the most powerful woman in fashion. It’s a tough job, but her ice queen boss won’t settle for less than perfection.
Vivian Carlisle helms the internationally revered fashion publication Du Jour. She might be smack in the middle of a messy divorce, but you have to make sacrifices to be the best. That’s what she tells herself, anyway.
When the unthinkable happens, Vivian’s regimented world is turned upside-down. Her life is about power, success, and dominance—not a baby!
This single, shocking moment throws boss and assistant together into an intimacy neither could have imagined. With their lives in chaos, every day brings a new challenge bigger than the last. But everything will work out…just so long as they don’t do anything totally ridiculous.
Like fall in love.
Available at:
Reclaiming Love by Amanda Radley
Sarah Campbell told one tiny white lie.
When her tech-giant employer moves her to a cottage on a small Scottish island to work on a classified, controversial, and potentially world-saving project, Sarah must keep her eco-terrorist mother in the dark to prevent her from disrupting everything. Sarah’s cover story—she’s fallen in love, she and her girlfriend are escaping the bustle of the city, she couldn’t be happier… But Sarah’s better at firewalls than real walls, and when she arrives at the run-down cottage, she quickly discovers she needs help.
Pippa Kent is a widowed, semi-retired structural engineer who’s done with love. She fills all her free time running a handywoman service on the island. When Sarah calls Pippa out for the most basic repairs, Pippa can’t help but wonder—often out loud—how anyone could be so inept at home maintenance.
Then Sarah’s mother suddenly decides to visit and meet her daughter’s wonderful new partner. With little option, Sarah begs Pippa to be her fake girlfriend. Only the more time they spend faking it, the less pretend it feels.
Available at:
The Danger of Female Curiosity by Suzanne Moss
Thea Morell, Georgian heiress and eligible lady, is not normal. At least, that’s what she has come to believe. She loves nothing more than spending hours at the study of natural history, collecting fossils, insects, dead fish, bones and even the odd spider. Up to now, she has held off her mother’s entreaties to marry, but this year may be her last chance to make a good match and the pressure is mounting.
In her search for scientific truth, Thea also begins to acknowledge a truth about herself – a most inconvenient one which sparks at the lips of the ‘electrical venus’ and bursts into flame in the presence of the very proper Lady Eleanor Harrington. Despite her attempts to observe and understand, this particular truth defies all rationalisation. Has her obsession with the male-dominated world of natural history caused the unnatural tendencies she can’t seem to control? And more importantly, can she protect her family’s interests whilst reconciling the dual passions of her mind and her heart?
Available at:
Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton
Movie star Jessica Lambert is in danger of burning out. Returning to London for the premiere of her latest film, she’s recognised everywhere she goes. When she runs away through the streets of London, she’s taken in by the beautiful and more mature Anna. The two hide in the sanctuary of Anna’s roof-top flat, a haven away from the crowds, but why has Anna removed herself from the world?
As the two women get to know each other, stripping away the layers, both appreciate what each does for the other. This could be the start of something wonderful, more than either of them know.
Available at:
Nights at the Majestic by Kit Eyre
Her weekly visits to watch classic films at the Majestic are the only bright spots in Eve Thomas’s life since the death of her wife. Meanwhile, Lizzie Carlyle is struggling to enjoy anything as work and a partner she doesn’t love grind her down.
A chance meeting during a robbery at the Majestic throws Eve and Lizzie together. They might be from different backgrounds with a twenty-year age gap but something clicks between them.
And when the Majestic faces a more existential threat, they might be the only ones able to save it.
Available at:
Love and Pride by R.L. Merrill
Popstar Unice Love is thrilled to be recording a high-profile holiday tune for charity, and super-producer Lydia Pride knows she can do something special with Love’s exceptional vocal instrument. Sparks fly between the spirited ingenue and the seasoned musician, but Unice will need to get past the obstacles that have held her back and learn to speak up for what she wants, and Lydia will have to let her in if they’re going to make beautiful music together.
Available at:
Stone Memory by Aimée
Clifton, present time. Kate O’Carroll has just moved to take up a new position at Bristol University. She’s found a lovely house that comes complete with its own library – a big bonus for an avid reader. Her new life seems to be starting auspiciously when she slips on the pavement and ends up at the local A&E. Adrienne Sargent, the surgeon on call, immediately feels a connection to her patient, but of course, there’s no reason they should meet again outside the hospital.
Clifton, 1900. Dorcas Fairstead, a parson’s daughter, is starting a teaching career at one of the pioneering colleges for women. Not much older than her students, she is finding her feet, making friends and writing a journal for the first time in her life. At a conference, she and her friends meet Elizabeth Sutcliff, a young doctor working at one of the first women’s hospitals in London.
There must be something in the air, for although none of these women is actively looking for love, life has other ideas. As past and present intersect, are they ready to follow their desires?
Available at:
Broken by Ami Spencer
Callie Montgomery should feel happy with her life. A rising career, a business inherited from her father and a loving family surrounding her. Besides, she’s in a much better place than a decade ago, so she should be grateful, right?
But everything’s not always as it seems. Appearances can be deceptive. Unless that is, you’re faced with the return of the woman who can read you better than anyone.
Jackie Taylor thought she had found the woman she was going to spend forever with, until one day, she walked away without explanation. But twelve years later, life has dragged her back into the orbit of Callie Montgomery. She can see that something is plaguing the younger woman’s mind, but is she close enough to help her through it? And will she get the answers she’s craved for so many years?
When the woman who left you broken is the one struggling to hold herself together, what choice does she have but to be a friend? Especially when friends may not be where it stops…
Available at:
Lives Intertwined: Love on Sequim Bay by Dorothy Rice Bennett
Brittany Forrest, animal lover and vet tech, needs a better place to rent in Sequim, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Noticing a for-rent sign, she calls the owner of the large house. Brit, guessing she isn’t the only woman needing a better/cheaper place to live, finds three other lesbians to rent with her. Needing one more, Aggie Hollister, the straight older woman who owns the big house, asks to remain as the fifth woman. How will this work out for the five women – a vet tech, a lawn-maintenance worker, a college student with a secret friend, a retired pianist, and a straight woman who has built a life caring for other people, all of different ages – sharing space and lives?
Available at:
Bonus: Upcoming sapphic age-gap romances:
In Too Deep by Rachael Sommers (March 2023)A Curious Visit by Jess Lea (April 2023)More book recommendations
If you need more book recommendations for Sapphic Book Bingo, here are a few places to find them:
Join my Facebook group and check out the book cards folder pinned to the top, where authors are adding handy cards that show you into which categories their books fit.Join the Sapphic Book Bingo Goodreads group .Check out Ylva Publishing’s Sapphic Book Bingo list that shows you how the Ylva books fit into the catgegories of the reading challenge.Leave a comment
Leave a comment and let us know what book you’ll be reading for the sapphic age-gap romance category!
Subscribe to this blog to get future Sapphic Book Bingo posts
If you’d like to get all future Sapphic Book Bingo posts sent to your in-box, subscribe to my blog.
The post Sapphic age gap romance (Sapphic Book Bingo 2023 #1) appeared first on Jae.
January 1, 2023
Sapphic Book Bingo 2023
Happy New Year and welcome to the Sapphic Book Bingo 2023!
Since my previous reading challenges (the Sapphic Book Bingo 2022, the Sapphic Reading Challenge in 2021, the F/F Fiction Crossword Challenge in 2020, and the Lesbian Book Bingo in 2018) were so popular with readers, I decided to host a new reading challenge in 2023. I hope it will keep you reading all year and help you find new favorite books and authors!
What is the Sapphic Book Bingo?
The Sapphic Book Bingo is a fun, year-long event for readers of sapphic fiction. It runs from January 1 to December 31, 2023. You can join any time you want.
Why is it called Sapphic Book Bingo?
In case you aren’t familiar with the term sapphic: It comes from the Greek poet Sappho, who wrote about love and passion between women.
During the past few years, I’ve come to use sapphic rather than F/F or lesbian when I’m talking about our genre because it’s more inclusive.
Lesbian is a perfectly fine word, but not every book with a love story between two women is a lesbian romance. Some of the characters in these stories are bisexual, pansexual, or homoromantic asexual women, or they prefer the label queer–or no label at all.
The term sapphic includes any woman who’s attracted to women, but unlike the term WLW (women-loving women), it also includes nonbinary people and intersex people who identify as sapphic (not all nonbinary or intersex people do).
The rules of the Sapphic Book BingoThe reading challenge will run from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. You can join at any time. No registration necessary—just start reading!The goal is to fill out the entire bingo card by reading one book for each square. If reading 25 sapphic books in 2023 sounds too ambitious, you can also aim for completing just one line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) of the bingo card (5 books).Below, you’ll find two bingo cards to choose from: a regular bingo card with 25 squares and a Book Unicorn card with 12 harder-to-find categories. You can pick the regular card or the Book Unicorn card or try to complete both—totally up to you.Each book needs to have at least one sapphic main character (see above for the definition of sapphic).Each book may be used only onceper card, even if it fits several different squares. (Exception: If you read the same book twice in 2023, you can use it for two different squares).I’ll post book recommendations for a different square on my blog every Thursday. You can either pick a book from my recommended reading lists or choose any other sapphic book that fits the square.Only books you started and finished in 2023 count.Books can be any format—ebook, paperback, or audiobook.Books can be any language. In fact, there’s a German version of the reading challenge too.It doesn’t necessarily have to be a novel. Novellas (usually around 17,500-40,000 words) count too, as do anthologies, fanfiction, and graphic novels.Not all books you read for the Sapphic Book Bingo need to be new-to-you. Re-reads of books you’ve previously read count too.Email me your filled-out bingo card by December 31, 2023 at 10 am German time, to be entered into the drawing (see below for the prizes you can win).If you are a voracious reader who reads hundreds of books a year, feel free to send in several bingo cards. You’ll get one entry into the giveaway for each card.
The prizes
The real prize, of course, is discovering a lot of awesome books and new favorite authors.
But there’ll also be a big giveaway at the end of the year. Everyone who sends in their bingo card with at least one complete line will be entered into the drawing.
There will be 15 winners:
I’ll draw 5 winners among those readers who send in a bingo card with one complete line. Each of these winners wins 1 ebook.I’ll draw 5 winners among those readers who send in a completed Book Unicorn card. Each of these winners wins 2 ebooks.I’ll draw 5 winners among those readers who send in a complete bingo card, with all 25 squares filled out. Each of these winners wins a bundle of 5 books—a mix of paperbacks and ebooks or all ebooks (winner’s choice).Email me your filled-in bingo card—either the filled-in PDF you can download below or a screenshot/photo of it—by December 31. I’ll draw the winners on December 31, 2023, at 10 a.m. Central European Time, using a random numbers generator.
The regular Sapphic Book Bingo card
Here are the 25 categories for the main bingo card. I’ll post a new recommended-reading list three times a month on Thursdays. I put together a mix of popular tropes and topics as well as categories that’ll push you to try new books and diversify your reading. I encourage you to read diversely, from a wide spectrum of authors and genres.
You can download a PDF of the regular bingo card here. Fill it in with the titles of the sapphic books you read in 2023. You can either type in the PDF or print it out and fill it in by hand.
The categories for the regular Sapphic Book Bingo card
For book recommendations, you can click on the links for each of the categories I have already posted:
Age-gap romance: Read a sapphic romance in which the main characters have an age difference of at least 10 years.Bodyguard or security guard: Read a sapphic book with a main character who is a bodyguard or works in security.Blind date: Read a sapphic book in which the main character goes on a blind date (i.e., a date with someone they have never met before).“Heart” in the title: Read a sapphic book that has the work “heart” in the title.Co-authored book: Read a sapphic book that two (or more) authors wrote together. Both authors’ names need to be on the cover of the novel.Roommate romance: Read a sapphic book in which the main character falls in love with their roommate.Inheritance: Read a sapphic book in which one of the main characters inherits something within the first three chapters of the book and the inheritance plays an important role in the book.Free sapphic book: Read a sapphic book that you got for free. Many authors have a free story for you to download on their website (you’ll find a few of mine here) or send one to readers who sign up to their newsletter. I’ll post a huge list of free books for you to download in April.Country or state you haven’t visited: Read a sapphic book that is set in a country or in a US state you haven’t visited yet.Single parent: Read a sapphic book with a main character who’s a single parent.Enemies-to-lovers romance: Read a sapphic romance in which the main characters start out as enemies or rivals or at least strongly dislike each other before falling in love.Pride scene: Read a sapphic book in which the main character attends a Pride parade or another Pride event.Same-sex wedding: Read a sapphic book in which a same-sex wedding plays an important role. It needs to be essential to the plot, not just the two main characters getting married in the last chapter or epilogue.New or new-to-you author: Read a sapphic book by an author who is either new (hasn’t published more than two full-length novels) or new to you.Angsty romance: Read a sapphic romance with a high angst level—the characters are going through strong emotional turmoil, and the author puts them through the wringer before they get their happy ending.Low-angst romance: Read a sapphic romance with a low angst level—a light-hearted, feel-good novel that you’d read whenever you need a book hug.Coffee shop romance: Read a sapphic romance in which one of the main characters either works in a coffee shop or spends significant time in one.Boss/employee romance: Read a sapphic workplace romance in which one character is the other character’s boss.Second book in a series: Read a sapphic book that is the second book in a series.Workaholic character: Read a sapphic book with a main character who’s a workaholic.Vineyard romance: Read a sapphic book that is set on a vineyard. Typically, the main character owns, runs, or works on a vineyard.Cowgirl or rancher: Read a sapphic book with a main character who’s a rancher or a “cowgirl.” The book can be historical or contemporary.Sibling relationship: Read a sapphic book in which the main character’s relationship with their sibling plays an important role.Tool belt: Read a sapphic book with a main character who works in construction or wears a tool belt in at least one scene.Fake relationship romance: Read a sapphic book in which the two main characters pretend to be in a relationship with each other.The Book Unicorn bingo card
The Book Unicorn represents harder-to-find themes and categories. So if you’d like to challenge yourself, you can try to complete the Book Unicorn bingo card.
I’ll post a recommended-reads list for one category of the Book Unicorn card once a month, starting with “ice queen who’s younger than her love interest” on January 12.
As you can see below, the Book Unicorn card isn’t a 5×5 grid. The squares form a U for Unicorn.
You can download a PDF of the Book Unicorn bingo card here. You can either type in the PDF or print it out and fill it in by hand.
The categories for the Book Unicorn bingo card
For book recommendations, you can click on the links for each of the categories I have already posted:
Younger ice queen: Read a sapphic book with an ice queen character who’s younger than her love interest.Imperfect sex: Read a sapphic book in which the sex isn’t always perfect (or at least not right away). Something might go wrong; they fumble around, stub their toe, fall asleep, etc.Shorter butch character: Read a sapphic book with a butch main character who is shorter (or at least the same height, not taller) than her love interest.Brown eyes: Read a sapphic book in which both main character have brown eyes.Unusual first date: Read a sapphic book in which the main characters are going on an unusual first date, e.g., the location of their first date or the first-date activity is unusual.Immigrant or expat: Read a sapphic book with a main character who is an immigrant or an expat (i.e., they left their native country and now live elsewhere).Stunning cover: Read a sapphic book with a cover that is stunning, unusual, or stands out in some way.POC on the cover: Read a sapphic book that has a person of color on the cover.Five-star read: Read a sapphic book with a five-star average on Amazon or Goodreads. For it to count as a five-star read, it needs to have at least five reviews with an average of at least 4.8 on either Amazon or Goodreads.Romance without a sex scene: Read a sapphic romance that doesn’t have an on-the-page sex scene.Menopause: Read a sapphic book with a main character who is going through menopause.Unusual setting: Read a sapphic book with an unusual setting, e.g., Antarctica, space, a remote island, etc.Don’t miss the first square of the Sapphic Book Bingo
I’ll post the book recommendations for the first category of the Sapphic Book Bingo on Thursday, January 5. We’ll start with age-gap romances.
To make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe to my blog, and I’ll send the post to your in-box!
Need more book recommendations to fill your bingo card?
As I said, you’ll get weekly book recommendations on this blog. I’ll share 15 books for one category every Thursday.
But if you need more book recommendations, here are a few options:
If you are on Facebook and want book recommendations from other readers to fill your bingo card—or you just want to chat about the books you love, feel free to join my Facebook group for readers. It’s a private group, so only members can see who’s in it and what we are discussing. We keep a folder to which authors are adding little cards that help you see what categories of the Sapphic Book Bingo their books fit into. Here’s an example:
If you prefer Goodreads over Facebook, I also set up a Goodreads group for the Sapphic Book Bingo.
Leave a comment
Please leave a comment below and let us know which bingo card you will pick for this year’s reading challenge. Are you aiming to complete the 25 squares of the regular bingo card? Just one line? Or will you take on the Book Unicorn card?
The post Sapphic Book Bingo 2023 appeared first on Jae.
December 31, 2022
Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 – Stats, winners & most-read books
The Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 is over, and I think it’s safe to say it’s been a big success and very popular with readers.
I heard from so many readers who said it encouraged them to read more sapphic books—and especially to try books and authors they otherwise wouldn’t have given a chance.
Running a year-long reading challenge is also a huge endeavor. I spent a total of 284 hours running the reading challenge and putting together 37 book lists with a total of 1,050 books.
A big thank-you goes to Erin, who helped me look up all the blurbs and links, and to fellow author Donna Jay, who helped me run the Sapphic Book Bingo Goodreads group.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of the readers who participated and enthusiastically talked about the books they found and loved; the authors who donated books for the giveaway, and everyone who helped promote and spread the word about the Sapphic Book Bingo.
Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 stats
Here are some interesting stats about the Sapphic Book Bingo 2022:
3,411 readers downloaded a Sapphic Book Bingo card. Many more followed the weekly book recommendation posts to find new books to read, even if they didn’t officially participate in the Sapphic Book Bingo.973 readers joined the Sapphic Book Bingo Goodreads group.801 readers sent in a completed book bingo card.A total of 42.320 sapphic books were read for the Sapphic Book Bingo. Most likely, it was more than that, but that’s the official count from the bingo cards that were sent in.71% of the participating readers completed not just a regular bingo card, but also at least one Book Unicorn card, which represents harder-to-find genres and themes.The reader with the most books read for Sapphic Book Bingo sent in 11 regular cards and 11 Book Unicorn cards. She read a total of 407 sapphic books for Sapphic Book Bingo!The winners of the Sapphic Book Bingo giveaway
Using a random number generator, I drew 15 winners.
5 winners who sent in a bingo card with one complete line. They each won 1 ebook. The winners were: Alicia K., Avery S., Britta T., Gianna L., and Victoria B.5 winners who sent in a completed Book Unicorn card. They each won 2 ebooks. The winners were: Charlie W., Evelyn M., Henriette M., Lisa H., and Sophia H.5 winners who sent in a completed regular bingo card. They each won a bundle of 5 books (ebooks or paperbacks—winner’s choice). The winners were: Chloe C., Evren D., Maeve, Nathalie D., and Paulina R.
Congratulations! If you are one of the winners, keep an eye on your in-box. I’ll email you within the next day to arrange the delivery of your book prizes.
The most-read books for Sapphic Book Bingo 2022
It was very interesting to take a look at the bingo cards as they came in and see what books readers were reading for each category. I decided to put together a list of “most-read books” for each category and share them with you in case you want to stock up your to-be-read list (as I did). After all, so many avid readers can’t be wrong!
Since I’m going through a massive list of books, I’m still working on some of the categories. Check back tomorrow to see the missing categories.
Here are the top 5 books for the categories I have already tallied the results for:
Your favorite romance trope:
A Whisper of Solace by Milena McKayTruth and Measure by Roslyn SinclairUnder a Falling Star by JaeMrs Middleton by Melissa TerezeThe Brutal Truth by Lee Winter TIED WITH Something in the Wine by Jae
Sapphic book about a disaster:
The Island Between Us by Wendy HudsonShaken to the Core by JaeEverybody Needs a Hero by KC LuckWithout Warning by KG MacGregorDarkness Falls by KC Luck
Sapphic sports romance:
Thrust by Rachel SpanglerGold by EJ NoyesThe Clinch by Nicole DisneyKick Back by KJCatch and Cradle by Katia Rose TIED WITH Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
Author’s pick:
Irregular Heartbeat by Chris ZettThe Headmistress by Milena McKayThe Fifth Surgeon by Faith PrizeComing Home by KJThose Who Wait by Haley Cass
Sapphic fake-relationship romance:
The Great Charade by Gerri HillJust for Show by JaeHer Royal Happiness by Lola KeeleyBreaking Character by Lee WinterWho’d Have Thought by G Benson
Free sapphic book:
A Place to Call Home by JaeThird Act by Emily BantingLucky Yellow Shoes by JaeTelling Lies Online by Miranda MacLeodLaid Bare by Anna Stone TIED WITH Three Ways to Ruin a Perfect Wedding by Chris Zett
Sapphic classic:
Touchwood by Karin KallmakerCurious Wine by Katherine V. ForrestAnnie on My Mind by Nancy GardenThe Price of Salt by Patricia HighsmithRubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown TIED WITH Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
POC character:
Match to Love by Johana GavezHouse of Agnes by Fiona ZeddeChef’s Kiss by Stephanie SheaHoney Girl by Morgan RogersStud Like Her by Fiona Zedde TIED WITH Between the Lines by KD Williamson
Character with a disability:
The Roommate Arrangement by JaeWounded Souls by RJ NolanThe Loudest Silence by Olivia JanaeWhat the Heart Sees by KC LuckJust Physical by Jae
Not set in the US or the UK:
Paper Love by JaeThe Number 94 Project by Cheyenne BlueChanging the Script by Lee WinterPerks of Office by Liz RainThe Lily and the Crown by Roslyn Sinclair
Sapphic erotica or erotic romance:
The X Ingredient by Roslyn SinclairWorth the Wait by JaeThe Sex Therapist Next Door by Meghan O’BrienThe Club by A.L. BrooksThe Night Off by Meghan O’Brien TIED WITH Seasons of Love by Harper Bliss
Character with a different sexual orientation or gender identity than your own:
Perfect Rhythm by JaeChemistry Lessons by JaeThe Awkward Truth by Lee WinterThe Art of Growing by Jacqueline RamsdenLove and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly TIED WITH Fake It by Lily Seabrooke
Sapphic book that is not a romance
The Tell Tale by Clare AshtonThey Never Learn by Layne FargoNo Good Reason by Cari HunterPink by KD WilliamsonA Touch of Truth by Nita Round
Butch character:
Departure from the Script by JaeThe Awkward Truth by Lee WinterWrong Number, Right Woman by JaeConflict of Interest by JaeHome Is Where the Heart Is by Jenny Frame TIED WITH A Convenient Arrangement by Aurora Rey & Jaime Clevenger
Sapphic book about a bet or a dare:
The Brutal Truth by Lee WinterDelilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring BlakeJust a Touch Away by JaeThe Romance Bet by JaeBet Against Me by Fiona RileyJoin the Sapphic Book Bingo 2023!
I’ll be running another year-long reading challenge in 2023. It will be another Sapphic Book Bingo, and you can again choose between a regular bingo card and a Book Unicorn card with harder-to-find themes.
I’ll post the rules and categories tomorrow (January 1) and the book recommendations for the first square (sapphic age-gap romance) on January 5.
Make sure you subscribe to my blog so you won’t miss it!
The post Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 – Stats, winners & most-read books appeared first on Jae.
December 27, 2022
Your favorite authors’ favorite sapphic books of 2022
At the end of each month, I always ask the readers in my Facebook group what their favorite sapphic book of the month was. As we are approaching the end of the year, I was curious about what my fellow authors’ favorite sapphic reads of 2022 were, so I asked some of the most popular authors for their top 3 sapphic books they read in 2022. It could be 2022 releases or previously published books they read or re-read this year.
To help guide you toward any new sapphic books you might have missed this year, I also had each author list their newest release.
Clare Ashton
Clare Ashton’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Purposefully Accidental by G Benson Kiss the Girl by Melissa BraydenDon’t miss Clare’s newest release: The Tell Tale
Emily Banting
Emily Banting’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter Lost at Sea by Amanda Radley Jericho by Ann McManDon’t miss Emily’s newest release: Broken Beyond Repair
Lucy Bexley
Lucy Bexley’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Take Two by Stephanie Shea Purposefully Accidental by G Benson Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia ArmfieldDon’t miss Lucy’s newest release: No Strings
Serena J. Bishop
Serena J. Bishop’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
All That Lies Within by Lynn Ames Remember Me, Synthetica by K. AtenDon’t miss Serena’s newest release: Heroes
Harper Bliss
Harper Bliss’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner Yerba Buena by Nina LaCourDon’t miss Harper’s newest release: A Family Affair
Cheyenne Blue
Cheyenne Blue’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake Guarding Evelyn by Erin Zak Looking for Trouble by Jess LeaDon’t miss Cheyenne’s newest release: For the Long Run
Melissa Brayden
Melissa Brayden’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake Shaken or Stirred by Georgia BeersDon’t miss Melissa’s newest release: The Last Lavender Sister
A.L. Brooks
A.L. Brooks’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Tell Tale by Clare Ashton Cowboys and Kisses by Karin Kallmaker They Never Learn by Layne FargoDon’t miss A.L.’s newest release: Chasing Dreams
Haley Cass
Haley Cass’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring BlakeDon’t miss Haley’s newest release: Down to A Science
Addison Clarke
Addison Clarke’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Hummingbird Sanctuary by Erin ZakDon’t miss Addison’s newest release: Champagne Problems
TJ Dallas
TJ Dallas’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Of Wulf and Wynd (Part 2) by Lexa Luthor Deus Ex Mechanic by Ryann FletcherHummingbird by TC ParkerDon’t miss TJ’s newest release: The Planck Paradox
MJ Duncan
MJ Duncan’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri The Locked Tomb Series by Tamsyn MuirDon’t miss MJ’s newest release: Halcyon Nights
Max Ellendale
Max Ellendale’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Change of Heart by Clare Lydon Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae Art of Magic by KJDon’t miss Max’s newest release: Jawbreaker
Johana Gavez
Johana Gavez’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
All In: An Autobiography by Billie Jean King The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes Guava Flavored Lies by J.J. AriasDon’t miss Johana’s newest release: Score to Love
Anne Hagan
Anne Hagan’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Requiem for Immortals by Lee Winter The Headmistress by Milena McKay Cowboys and Kisses by Karin KallmakerDon’t miss Anne’s newest release: Sapphic Sizzle
Emily Hayes
Emily Hayes’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Something’s Different by Quinn Ivins Destination You by JJ Arias The Girlfriend Arrangement by Anna Stone and Hildred BillingsDon’t miss Emily’s newest release: The CEO
Quinn Ivins
Quinn Ivins’s favorite sapphic book of 2022 was:
Just a Touch Away by JaeDon’t miss Quinn’s newest release: Something’s Different
Jae
Jae’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Breaking Character by Lee Winter When You Least Expect It by Haley Cass Something’s Different by Quinn IvinsDon’t miss Jae’s newest release: Just a Touch Away
KJ
KJ’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
No Strings by Lucy Bexley Truth & Measure & Above All Things by Roslyn SinclairDon’t miss KJ’s newest release: The Forever and the Now
Rachel Lacey
Rachel Lacey’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Chef’s Kiss by Stephanie Shea No Strings by Lucy Bexley Truth & Measure by Roslyn SinclairDon’t miss Rachel’s newest release: She’ll Steal Your Heart
Eliza Lentzski
Eliza Lentzski’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Tell Tale by Clare Ashton The Headmistress by Milena McKay The PowerBook by Jeanette WintersonDon’t miss Eliza’s newest release: Sour Grapes
KC Luck
KC Luck’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Love and Duty by Catherine Young Sweet & Sinn by Char Defoe Tell Me What You Want by Johana GavezDon’t miss KC’s newest release: Can’t Fight Love
Clare Lydon
Clare Lydon’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Tell Me Everything by Laura Kay The Number 94 Project by Cheyenne Blue Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring-BlakeDon’t miss Clare’s newest release: The Christmas Catch
Miranda MacLeod
Miranda MacLeod’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid And Playing the Role of Herself by KE Lane The Lily and the Crown by Roslyn SinclairDon’t miss Miranda’s newest release: Christmas at Rainbow Falls
T.B. Markinson
T.B. Markinson’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite The Headmistress by Milena McKayDon’t miss T.B.’s newest release: Devil’s Advocate
Milena McKay
Milena McKay’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Spindrift by Anna Burke Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton No Strings by Lucy BexleyDon’t miss Milena’s newest release: A Whisper Of Solace
Jamey Moody
Jamey Moody’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Executive Liaison by Anna Stone The Headmistress by Milena McKay Golden Hour by Kat JacksonDon’t miss Jamey’s newest release: The Woman at the Top of the Stairs
Brenda Murphy
Brenda Murphy’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Stud Like Her by Fiona Zedde Embracing the Moon by Jeannie Levig Patience and Esther by SW SearleDon’t miss Brenda’s newest release: Music from Stone
Nicole Pyland
Nicole Pyland’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter Create a Life to Love by Erin Zak Casting Lacey by Elle SpencerDon’t miss Nicole’s newest release: The Wait is Over (Holiday Series Book 6)
Jacqueline Ramsden
Jacqueline Ramsden’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Rules of Love by Lily Seabrooke The Game Changer by Finley Chuva Howl by Lucy BexleyDon’t miss Jacqueline’s newest release: I Always Will
Aurora Rey
Aurora Rey’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Foolproof by Leigh Hays One Weekend in Aspen by Jaime Clevenger Changing Majors by Ana Hartnett ReichardtDon’t miss Aurora’s newest release: Greener Pastures
Stephanie Shea
Stephanie Shea’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake The Lily and the Crown by Roslyn Sinclair If I Don’t Ask by EJ NoyesDon’t miss Stephanie’s newest release: Take Two
Roslyn Sinclair
Roslyn Sinclair’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon The Awkward Truth by Lee Winter Cuffing Season by Monica McCallanDon’t miss Roslyn’s newest release: Truth & Measure & Above All Things
Adrian J. Smith
Adrian J. Smith’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Fate of the Stars by SD Simper Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes by E.V. BancroftDon’t miss Adrian’s newest release: Indigo: Law
Sienna Waters
Sienna Waters’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
The Wild One by Lyn Denison Girlfriend Material by Katia Rose Mistakes Were Made by Meryl WilsnerDon’t miss Sienna’s newest release: A Quiet Life
Lee Winter
Lee Winter’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
Strange Attractors by Ana K Wrenn Truth & Measure & Above All Things by Roslyn Sinclair No Strings by Lucy BexleyDon’t miss Lee’s newest release: The Ultimate Boss Set
Fiona Zedde
Fiona Zedde’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar Dead Lez Walking by G. BensonDon’t miss Fiona’s newest release: Stud Like Her
Chris Zett
Chris Zett’s favorite sapphic books of 2022 were:
A Fox in the Shadow by Jane Fletcher Purposefully Accidental by G BensonSisters of Sarras Series by Barbara Ann WrightDon’t miss Chris’s newest release: Lucky Mix-Up (free short story)
What were YOUR favorite sapphic books of 2022?
Readers, what were your top 3 favorite sapphic books of 2022 (new releases or re-reads)? Please leave a comment and let us know!
The post Your favorite authors’ favorite sapphic books of 2022 appeared first on Jae.
December 15, 2022
Sapphic book with a character who’s a twin (Book Unicorn #12)
It’s time for the last Sapphic Book Bingo post of 2022! This category features sapphic books with a main character who’s a twin. It’s a category that is near and dear to my heart since I’m have a wonderful twin sister.
For this category, the character and their sibling can be maternal (identical) or fraternal twins, and it doesn’t matter whether we get to see the character’s twin during the course of the book—although it would certainly be fun!
Send in your bingo cards & join us for 2023!
If you have filled out your bingo card, please make sure you send it in so I can enter you into the giveaway on December 31. You can find my email address on my contact page.
There will be a new Sapphic Book Bingo in 2023! Make sure you join us!
15 recommended sapphic books with a main character who is a twin:
Here are my book recommendations for the “main character is a twin” category:
Something’s Different by Quinn Ivins
Unemployed academic Caitlyn Taylor comes home to family drama. Her carefree twin Chloe plans to ditch her job to visit a guy she met online. Caitlyn steps in to impersonate Chloe so she won’t get fired for skipping town. Unfortunately, this means answering phones for an icy, dismissive boss.
Busy college president Ruth Holloway never paid much attention to her mediocre assistant. Suddenly, “Chloe” demonstrates insight into faculty politics and a baffling talent for analytics. And since when has she been so attractive?
Caitlyn dreams of getting closer to her sister’s boss but how can she? Everything they’ve shared has been based on a lie.
Available at:
Paper Love by Jae
Susanne Wolff isn’t thrilled when her mother sends her all the way across the country to Freiburg to save her uncle’s stationery store from bankruptcy. Freiburg is too provincial for her taste, and besides, pen and paper are outdated anyway.
Anja Lamm, Paper Love’s only full-time employee, takes an instant dislike to the arrogant, digital-loving snob who’s supposed to be her temporary boss.
But thanks to a meddling cat, a business trip to a stationery fair, and an armada of origami boats, Anja soon starts to see beneath Susanne’s aloof exterior, and Susanne discovers how sexy pens and notebooks can be—at least when Anja handles them.
As the end of Susanne’s three-month stay approaches, will she stick to her plan to leave, or will she open her heart to more than just paper love?
Available at:
Whimsical Haven by Tiffany E. Taylor
When Rowan Holland of Woodbridge, Virginia lands squarely in the crosshairs of a psychotic stalker, fleeing to Whimsy, Florida might be her only chance of escape.
There, she’ll meet the head of lesbian-owned Armstrong Protection Services. Possessive. Protective. Deadly.
Bryn Armstrong, one of the owners of APS, is immediately captivated by an equally-mesmerized Rowan, and vows she will do everything in her power to protect Rowan from this psychopath.
When the stalker follows Rowan to Whimsy, staying hidden in the shadows, it’s up to Bryn—along with her twin, Riley, and “the Seven,” the butch management team of APS—to cut him down and put an end to Rowan’s nightmare.
But, as the stalker draws closer to Rowan and the increased danger to Bryn’s woman becomes more real, Bryn and her team know they must find and stop the psychopath, who just may be a killer in disguise.
Available at:
Rise by Nancy J. Hedin
Lorraine Tyler is finally at veterinarian school with her best friend and roommate, Frankie. She’s also got a girlfriend who likes to play naked hide-and-seek.
Life in Bend is pretty great for Lorraine until she hears the voice of her dead sister Becky in her head, pointing out Lorraine’s failures past and present.
Her problems don’t end there. Her dad is hospitalized, leaving her heartsick at the thought of losing him, and there has been no justice for the hate crime perpetrated against Lorraine’s friend Ricky the year before. As if those things weren’t worry enough Lorraine’s former and present girlfriends are in town seeking her undivided attention. No wonder Lorraine’s wacky therapist has her eating bean soup and counting up the traumas of her life.
Lorraine and Frankie juggle their own personal crises while they try to navigate family relations and work for a more just and LGBTQ friendly community for everyone who calls Bend home.
Available at:
Change of Heart by Clare Lydon
When Erin Stewart hires a fake date for her parents’ anniversary party, she gets more than she bargained for. First, she snags Steph Mitchell, a professional actor with a side order of drop-dead gorgeous. Second, she runs into a brick wall of family tension. Deep breaths; it’s only five days. Plus, with Steph’s help, she can totally get through it, right?
Only, Erin doesn’t expect the fake romance with the charming Steph to feel so incredibly real. She also doesn’t predict their sizzling attraction will spiral out of control, with dizzying consequences for everyone. Is Steph Erin’s destiny, or will she be her downfall?
Available at:
Stud Like Her by Fiona Zedde
Chance has been in love only once, but it wasn’t with the girlfriend she stayed with for far too long. The same girlfriend who dropped Chance when she became too inconvenient. Or maybe just boring.
To bury her disappointment, Chance tries to return to the woman she loved back when she was too afraid to be herself. A stud attracted to other studs.
Instead of her old love, though, Chance finds Garett: a new and persistent admirer with the kind of swagger that leaves Chance weak in the knees. Garett is hot and very popular with her half a million followers on social media. She’s also a lot younger than Chance is used to. Not to mention there’s something familiar about her, something dangerous, that Chance can’t quite put her finger on.
Available at:
Tennessee Bound by Anne Hagan
Mel’s burned out. She’s tired of playing local politics. She’s tired of the mounds of paper on her desk that never seem to diminish. She’s tired of budgets, of personnel conflicts, of citizen complaints and all of the other things a sheriff is responsible for. She misses police work. Real police work, but she knows she can’t go back to the street. Not in Muskingum County…maybe not in Ohio.
Dana bought a cabin – a nice little getaway for the two of them in Tennessee. Mel’s mom is worried her daughter will fly the family coop and roost in Tennessee full time; maybe she’ll even take a street cop job there.
Dana and Mel head to Tennessee to see their new home away from home, to take a breather from work and family and to talk about the future. Mel’s future. Their future. Mel has some surprises for Dana, but her thoughts on stepping down as Sheriff and where she’s thinking about going next take a backseat to what happens in the midst of their getaway.
Available at:
Missed Connection by Stephanie Shea
Avery Dimaano is good at most things. No, she’s better. She has amazing friends, a family that’s only slightly more dysfunctional than others, and an affable way of strutting through the world that makes her the quintessential person for the role of HR at Gia, San Francisco. There’s only one problem, she has no one to spend her weekends with.
Travel influencer Ky Logan doesn’t play by anyone else’s rules. Her life of jet-hopping across the world is the envy of two million followers, even if her family doesn’t exactly approve. It’s a simple, adventurous existence with no one to answer to but herself.
Six months after her trip to Sydney, Ky still can’t stop thinking about the woman she sat next to on the plane. Avery. Beautiful, clever, straight Avery. When a leak in Avery’s apartment leads them to share a bed for two weeks, lines inevitably become blurred, especially after the kiss they shared in San Francisco International.
Maybe Ky is the person Avery has been waiting for, even if she’s never considered being with a woman. But is Ky’s time with Avery just another one of her vacations?
Available at:
Despite Chaos (Falling Castles Series #1) by Stacy Lynn Miller
Alexandra Castle hides the brightest part of herself. As the heir-apparent to the Castle Resort empire, her only fault—according to her controlling father—is that she’s gay.
Keeping her sexuality hidden seems a small price to pay for upholding the family image. When Alex’s father pits her against her twin brother in a high-stakes competition to choose who will take over the company upon his retirement, Alex knows she’s got what it takes to win. Until an ex-lover reappears and threatens to destroy her life.
Tyler Falling hides the darkest part of herself. On the surface, she’s a put-together middle-class wife and mother. In reality, she’s broken from a sexual assault twelve years earlier. When Tyler unexpectedly comes face-to-face with her rapist, a deep family secret surfaces and jeopardizes the life she’s created.
With both their worlds crumbling, Alex and Tyler escape to Napa where a brief, anonymous encounter sparks a mutual infatuation, changing the trajectory of their lives. Living a lie is no longer an option, but can an improbable romance bloom amid embezzlement, blackmail, and self-exploration?
Available at:
Bringing Me Dreams by KG MacGregor
Reeling from her brother’s senseless death, Gianna Del Vecchio finds comfort in an online forum from a woman who suffered a similar loss. Theirs is a club no one wants to join—survivors of a loved one’s suicide. Photos posted to the forum of the woman’s cute therapy dog bring cheer when nothing else can, and Gianna is compelled to reach out to say thanks.
After two years, Keenan McEvoy is still fighting her way back from despair after losing her partner, Annabel. She’s surprised when she connects with Gianna, whose kindness and compassion ignite a spark she wasn’t sure she’d ever feel again.
Their fledgling romance is jeopardized by Jaz, Gianna’s ex-girlfriend and current best friend, who’ll stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Available at:
Bend by Nancy J. Hedin
Lorraine Tyler is the only queer person in Bend, Minnesota. Or at least that’s what it feels like when the local church preaches so sternly against homosexuality. Which is why she’s fighting so hard to win the McGerber scholarship — her ticket out of Bend —
even though her biggest competition is her twin sister, Becky. And even though she’s got no real hope—not with the scholarship’s morality clause and that one time she kissed the preacher’s daughter.
Everything changes when a new girl comes to town. Charity is mysterious, passionate, and — to Lorraine’s delighted surprise —
queer too. Now Lorraine may have a chance at freedom and real love.
But then Becky disappears, and Lorraine uncovers an old, painful secret that could tear the family apart. They need each other more than ever now, and somehow it’s Lorraine — the sinner, the black sheep — who holds the power to bring them together. But only if she herself can learn to bend.
Available at:
Disconnected by Annette Mori
Vanna has always felt like something was off with her parents, leaving her feeling oddly disconnected. She decides to move across the country and establish a new and independent life after college. On the way to her new position in Flagstaff, Arizona, Vanna meets out and proud Trey, who loves to flirt.
Trey has never forgotten the beautiful young woman she met briefly and is determined to ensure their paths cross again.
Thousands of miles from home, Vanna finds out more about herself, but not her feeling of being disconnected from her parents. Will Vanna ever form the connection she desperately seeks? Does Trey’s determination work out?
Available at:
Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away from everyone, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.
As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.
Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming . . . human or demon.
Available at:
Point Two by Max Ellendale
The case is reopened…
“I can’t believe this shit is happening again. Four Point’s dead and yet, everyone I care about is unsafe. Again. Brody’s gone, Maggie’s hurt, and now Ben and I have to fix everything ourselves. This time, I’ll be the one watching…”
Available at:
Ready or Not by Melissa Brayden
Sometimes wrong is extra right.
Mallory Spencer is in charge. As the face of Soho Savvy, the advertising firm she owns with her three best friends, it’s important that she’s poised, polished, and put together. However, as she watches her friends couple up and settle down, she wonders about her own happily ever after. One thing’s for sure. It’s not going to happen with that blue-eyed bartender from Showplace. It’s irritatingly clear they couldn’t be more wrong for each other…or have more chemistry.
Hope Sanders wants nothing more than to keep her head down and craft a better life for herself running everyone’s favorite nightspot. That means ignoring the groupies that flock to the bar to stare at her all night. However, an uptight brunette has snagged Hope’s attention and she knows a challenge when she sees it.
Available at:
Leave a comment
Leave a comment and let us know what book you’ll be reading for the “sapphic book with a main character who’s a twin” category!
Send in your Sapphic Book Bingo card(s)
If you have finished a book bingo card (or maybe several), don’t forget to send it in to be entered into the giveaway on December 31. Send me your bingo card either as a PDF or as a photo or screenshot via email.
The post Sapphic book with a character who’s a twin (Book Unicorn #12) appeared first on Jae.
December 8, 2022
Sapphic book that involves a dare or a bet (Sapphic Book Bingo #25)
Can you believe that Sapphic Book Bingo 2022 is nearly over? This “sapphic book that involves a dare or a bet” post is the last regular bingo category. Next week, I’ll post the “main character is a twin” category of the Book Unicorn card, and then it’s time to wrap up this year’s Sapphic Book Bingo.
But don’t despair: I’ll run a Sapphic Book Bingo in 2023 too, with new categories and new books to be discovered. I hope you’ll join us for next year’s reading challenge too. It’ll start on January 1, when I’ll post the rules and reveal the categories.
Free romance short story that involves a bet
If you are looking for a free sapphic book that involves a bet or dare, check out my short story “The Romance Bet.”
Reporter Abby James prides herself on never having read a romance novel. She thinks they’re formulaic, shallow, easy-to-write drivel—until romance author Tamara Brennan challenges her to write one. Is it possible that Abby will find the outcome of that bet not so predictable after all?
You can download the free ebook on Bookfunnel.
15 sapphic books that involve a dare or a bet
Here are 15 recommended sapphic books that involve a dare or a bet:
Just a Touch Away by Jae
Hannah Martin has an unusual job: she’s a professional cuddler. While she has a big heart for her clients, she hasn’t found someone special to snuggle up to in her personal life.
Winter Sullivan isn’t looking for love. She’s an aloof workaholic who’s built walls of ice around herself. She would rather drive toothpicks under her fingernails than cuddle, and she certainly doesn’t want to share her space with anyone.
When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her one last surprise: she and Hannah, a perfect stranger, will inherit a building together. But there’s a catch: first, they have to live together for ninety-two days.
Winter is determined to dislike her rival, but soon finds Hannah isn’t what she expected at all. Thanks to a hilarious doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of places, the frosty fortress around her heart begins to melt.
Will she be able to accept that love might be just a touch away?
Available at:
Contract for Love by Alison Grey
Single mom Sherry lives in a trailer park with her six-year-old son Jake, trying to make ends meet as a waitress.
Madison’s life couldn’t be more different. She’s been raised by her rich grandmother, and her only goals are partying and bedding women.
When her grandmother threatens to disinherit her if she doesn’t clean up her act, Madison has to find a way to convince her she’s changed.
After a chance encounter with Sherry, Madison comes up with a crazy idea that will rock both of their worlds: she wants to hire Sherry to play her fake girlfriend.
Available at:
Bet Against Me by Fiona Riley
Trina Lee would sell her own mother’s house out from under her if it meant securing a sale, no joke. Her reputation as a ruthless deal closer and her record sales year in Boston’s luxury property market should’ve landed her Realtor of the Year, so when the award goes to new girl rival Kendall Yates, Trina is left speechless. And, okay, turned on.
Kendall made more enemies than friends the night of her big win, but she couldn’t care less. She’s the best, and she has the obnoxious glass paperweight to prove it. This is the edge she needs to escape the shadow of her family’s reputation. When her boss accepts a friendly bet that she can close the holy grail of property deals, she’s not about to fold for anyone. Especially not to overly cocky and annoyingly beautiful Trina. Even if it breaks her heart.
Available at:
The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter
Australian crime reporter Maddie Grey is working the night shift, out of her depth in New York, miserable, and secretly crushing on her twice-married, media-mogul employer.
Elena Bartell is a brilliant, fierce, ice queen boss who eats failing newspapers for breakfast and believes to her core that everything would be much simpler if people told each other the whole, unvarnished truth.
As work takes them to Australia, Maddie is goaded into a brief, seemingly harmless bet with her enigmatic boss—where they can’t lie to each other. The bet backfires spectacularly as Elena realizes that the brutal truth might not be what she wanted after all.
Available at:
From Fan to Forever by Tiana Warner
Talented A-lister Cate Whitney is the gorgeous middle-aged movie star almost every lesbian has a crush on.
Rachel Janssen, an introverted medical physics student, is no exception. So when her celebrity crush starts filming near her Vancouver apartment, she can’t believe her luck.
A chance encounter with Cate leads to a little swooning, small-talk, and a shock offer to help the star as a science consultant on her Marie Curie film. And, wait, could Cate actually be flirting with Rachel?
However, as the chemistry sizzles between them, Rachel struggles with the harsh reality of being linked to a famous actress. Paparazzi keep dragging her into the spotlight when all she wants is to be taken seriously in her medical career.
Is falling for a superstar too much to handle? Even if sexy Cate Whitney is the one everyone wants? Even if she’s everything Rachel needs?
Available at:
The Shaded Parlor by Nanisi Barrett D’Arnuk
Mistress JuliAnn Clayton owns one of the most renowned bars and alternative restaurants in the area. But when she allows her staff to talk her into listing herself in the “Flog-a-Dom” auction to benefit the LGBTQ Pride Clinic, she’s sure something will go wrong. With an audience watching and the Dungeon Monitor officiating, how bad could it get? And Dr. Shelley is always ready to alleviate any injury, real or imagined.
With a starting bid at five thousand dollars, it will definitely raise money for the Clinic. But when the bidding gets out of hand, will it open all those doors JuliAnn has spent fifteen years trying the lock closed? Will the memories sink her back into those dreaded days that even millions of dollars haven’t erased?
When the mystery bidder turns out to be the Mistress who abandoned her fifteen years earlier; the one JuliAnn swore she’d never go back to, her memories come crashing down. Can she fulfill her promise to help the Clinic, or will the past throw her bar, her restaurant, and her reputation into chaos?
Available at:
The Woman in 3B by Eliza Lentzski
The challenge was supposed to be simple. Spill a drink on an airline passenger and be one square closer to winning the company’s secret bingo card game. Twenty-five different challenges, at various levels of difficulty, had to be accomplished within a month’s time. After nearly eight years of being a flight attendant, Alice Kaminski had spilled drinks on plenty of passengers, mostly on accident and during rough air. She didn’t particularly like the idea of the bingo card, but she had massive student debt; the financial incentives were enough to make her momentarily forget the questionable ethics of it all. The challenge was supposed to be simple—that is, until Alice saw her intended target—the beautiful woman seated in 3B. And after that, nothing was simple ever again.
Available at:
Girl Talk by Cassidy Storm
Autumn is stuck in a rut. She’s been on many first dates but is beginning to wonder if she’ll ever experience happiness — or a second date, for that matter.
When she gets a new phone, she receives a call from an “Unknown Number.” The person’s first words are, “So. You were going to tell me how wet you are.” Autumn is stunned — because the caller happens to be a woman.
Over the next few months, the mysterious calls continue, and the “girl talk” gets more and more personal.
But Autumn is straight . . . isn’t she?
Available at:
The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley
As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. She’ll do whatever it takes to solve the cases her family takes on. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . .
Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her heart didn’t pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to decode a centuries-old manuscript to keep a modern-day villain from claiming credit for work that wasn’t his. She hates that she needs a man’s help to do it—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. But as she and Tommy grow closer and the stakes of their discovery higher, more than just their hearts are at risk.
Available at:
Without a Front: The Producer’s Challenge by Fletcher DeLancey
Alsea is fractured in the aftermath of war. So is its leader. Though devastated by a personal loss, Lancer Andira Tal must somehow stitch her world together and move it forward when all the rules have changed. Every decision is fraught with risk, and her enemies wait for her to stumble.
During a global debate over alien technology, Tal stuns the world when she accepts a challenge from her most vocal critic in the producer caste. By trading the staff of office for the tools of a field worker, she hopes to swing the producers to her side.
In the peaceful fields of Hol-Opah, Tal finds both a shocking secret and a lost dream. It is here that she will take her greatest risk—and give her enemies their greatest weapon.
Available at:
Bitter Fruit by Lois Cloarec Hart
Boredom and booze inspire Jac Lanier to accept an unusual wager from her best friend to seduce Lauren Blaine, a beautiful co-worker, within a month. One small problem: The woman is straight. Not to mention engaged. And a complete stranger. Nonetheless, Jac is pretty confident that she’ll win.
Naturally, her plan goes awry—after all, if you sow an onion seed, you won’t harvest a peach. Will Jac reap the bitter fruit of her games when the truth comes out? Will Lauren turn the tables on her?
Available at:
Run to You by Georgia Beers
Welcome to Junebug Farms, a successful, well-known animal shelter in upstate New York, where every day brings something new—love, stress, heartbreak, warmth—and not just from the animals.
Catherine Gardner knows what it means to work hard. Growing up with little, it’s pretty much all she’s done for most of her life. As the bookkeeper for Junebug Farms, she handles the money. When Catherine finds herself undeniably attracted to Emily Breckenridge, daughter of the shelter’s largest donor, it doesn’t sit well with her. At all.
Emily Breckenridge has spent her life in the shadows of both her family’s money and her brother Clark. But when the reins of the family’s charity foundation are taken from Clark and handed to Emily, it’s her chance to shine on her own. Everything about Catherine Gardner is unexpected, from her emotional reserve to the crazy magnetic pull she has…one Emily can’t seem to fight… Available at:
If You Dare by Sandy Lowe
Lauren West is stuck. Stuck in her hometown over the holidays. Stuck in a Wi-Fi dead zone. Stuck watching her longtime crush make out with her ex-best-friend. The small town of Sunrise Falls thrives on gossip, and everyone’s talking about the mess she’s made of her life back in San Francisco. One festively decorated bar and two vodka tonics later, a game of truth or dare seems like just the thing to distract her. Until the dare to seduce the next woman who walks through the door brings her face-to-face with librarian Emma Prescott.
Available at:
This Used to Be Easier by Katia Rose
Meg Doyle did not intend to return home from college with a suitcase and nowhere else to go.
Ideally, she would have rolled up to her tiny home town in a limousine and jumped out wearing a designer tuxedo. She would have shaken a few hands, signed a few autographs, and maybe kissed a few girls before riding off into the sunset of her glorious, post-grad future in set design.
Instead, she’s stuck spending the summer in her childhood bedroom, trawling the internet for job listings after a last minute internship cancellation in Europe.
It’s anything but triumphant. Her friends in the city won’t stop reminding her what she’s missing, her mom won’t stop researching lesbian slang terms to seem more ‘relatable,’ and around every corner in the small town of Chapel Creek, there’s Connie Shipley.
The girl Meg used to know better than anyone in the world.
The girl she spent countless nights huddled under the blankets with for sleepovers and movie marathons.
The girl who leaned in and kissed her four summers before.
The girl who hasn’t spoken to her since.
…Which makes it very inconvenient that Meg’s heart still stops every single time she sees her.
Available at:
Call My Bluff by Bel Blackwood
Never fall in love with straight women. But sleeping with them? That’s another thing entirely…
When straight girls want to experiment, cocky butch Dakota is more than happy to show them the ropes. She’ll give them everything they want– except for her heart.
She’s not making that mistake again.
Bubbly outgoing Zoe had never thought that she could be anything but straight. But when she meets the intense Dakota, unexpected sparks fly.
Dakota is so smug and confident– it’s hot in the bedroom, but infuriating outside of it! There’s no way that Zoe’s giving Dakota the satisfaction of winning her over… right?
One bet. One weekend.
Who will give in first?
Available at:
Lines of Love by Brey Willows
The Muse of Love, Eris Ardalides, is bored out of her mind. Love in this century isn’t real. It has no depth or feeling, and she’s taken herself out of the Muse business altogether. Sex is fine. Love, not so much. As far as she’s concerned, she’s retired. Life is too short for the angst that comes with deep emotion, even for an immortal.
Grace Gordon is an excellent divorce lawyer. She’s trying to save the world, and who has time for frivolity when lives are being torn apart? She’s lonely, yes, but so what? One day she’ll find love and a relationship. But she’ll never settle for anything less than perfect. Surely, it’s out there somewhere…
When Eris finds out she’s being sued by lovelorn victims who believe they might’ve had a chance if the Muse of Love hadn’t been AWOL, it’s Grace who takes the case. Attraction simmers, but there’s no middle ground when Grace wants perfection, and Eris doesn’t believe love even exists anymore.
The lines of love have been drawn. Who will cross them first?
Available at:
Leave a comment
Leave a comment and let us know what book you’ll be reading for the “sapphic book that involves a dare or a bet” category!
Send in your Sapphic Book Bingo card(s)
If you have finished a book bingo card (or maybe several), don’t forget to send it in to be entered into the giveaway on December 31. Send me your bingo card either as a PDF or as a photo or screenshot via email.
The post Sapphic book that involves a dare or a bet (Sapphic Book Bingo #25) appeared first on Jae.
November 25, 2022
Sapphic romantic comedies (Sapphic Book Bingo #24)
This week’s Sapphic Book Bingo category features sapphic romantic comedies, which are also called “romcom”—light-hearted, humorous romance novels that are guaranteed to make you laugh.
Often, the line between a romcom and a romance novel with hilarious moments is a bit blurry, so I’m not going to be very strict about this category. If it feels like a romcom to you, go ahead and count it for this category.
15 sapphic romantic comedies
Here are 15 recommended sapphic romcoms:
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls – nothing is there for her except memories of a lonely childhood. Her life now is in New York, with her photography career finally gaining steam and her bed never empty. Sure, it’s a different woman every night, but that’s just fine with her.
When Delilah’s estranged stepsister pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a large check, Delilah finds herself back in Bright Falls once more. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had, after all.
Having raised her daughter mostly on her own while dealing with her unreliable ex and running a bookstore, Claire depends upon a life without surprises. And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise . . . at first. Though they’ve known each other for years, they don’t really know each other – so Claire is unsettled when Delilah figures out exactly what buttons to push. And when they’re forced together during the many wedding preparations, Claire isn’t sure she has the strength to resist Delilah’s charms. Even worse, she’s starting to think she doesn’t want to . . .
Available at:
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott
Alex and Molly are two girls who don’t belong on the same planet, let alone the same college campus . . .
Alex Blackwood is a little bit headstrong, with a dash of chaos and a whole lot of flirt. She knows how to get the girl. Keeping her on the other hand . . . not so much.
Molly Parker has everything in her life totally in control, except for her complete awkwardness with just about anyone besides her mum. She knows she’s in love with the impossibly cool Cora Myers. She just . . . hasn’t actually talked to her yet.
When the girls’ paths cross unexpectedly, and Alex discovers Molly’s hidden crush, they realise they might have a common interest after all. Because maybe if Alex can help Molly to get her dream girl, she can prove to her ex that she’s serious about love.
As the two embark on their five-step plans to get their girls to fall for them, though, they both begin to wonder if maybe they’re the ones falling . . . for each other.
Available at:
Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Margot Cooper doesn’t do relationships. She tried and it blew up in her face, so she’ll stick with casual hookups, thank you very much. But now her entire crew has found “the one” and she’s beginning to feel like a fifth wheel. And then fate (the heartless bitch) intervenes. While touring a wedding venue with her engaged friends, Margot comes face-to-face with Olivia Grant—her childhood friend, her first love, her first… well, everything. It’s been ten years, but the moment they lock eyes, Margot’s cold, dead heart thumps in her chest.
Olivia must be hallucinating. In the decade since she last saw Margot, her life hasn’t gone exactly as planned. At almost thirty, she’s been married… and divorced. However, a wedding planner job in Seattle means a fresh start and a chance to follow her dreams. Never in a million years did she expect her important new client’s Best Woman would be the one that got away.
When a series of unfortunate events leaves Olivia without a place to stay, Margot offers up her spare room because she’s a Very Good Person. Obviously. It has nothing to do with the fact that Olivia is as beautiful as ever and the sparks between them still make Margot tingle. As they spend time in close quarters, Margot starts to question her no-strings stance. Olivia is everything she’s ever wanted, but Margot let her in once and it ended in disaster. Will history repeat itself or should she count her lucky stars that she gets a second chance with her first love?
Available at:
Reading Her by Amanda Radley
Awkward teenager Hugo Whittaker doesn’t know a cross-trainer from an elliptical, but getting strong is the only way to fight off the bullies who won’t leave him alone. Lauren Evans loves her job as a fitness instructor, and she wants to guide him. Unfortunately, Hugo paid for his gym membership by stealing his mother’s credit card, and it doesn’t take his mother long to track down her wayward son.
In a courtroom, shrewd barrister Allegra Whittaker is unstoppable, but when it comes to her son Hugo, she’s afraid she’s losing her touch. She reluctantly allows him to continue using the gym as long as she can keep an eye on him—and his undeniably intriguing instructor.
As each encounter leaves them wanting more, Lauren and Allegra learn love and happiness are right where they least expect it. There’s just one little problem: Lauren has a huge secret she absolutely cannot tell anyone, and Allegra knows she’s hiding something.
Available at:
This Used to Be Easier by Katia Rose
Meg Doyle did not intend to return home from college with a suitcase and nowhere else to go.
Ideally, she would have rolled up to her tiny home town in a limousine and jumped out wearing a designer tuxedo. She would have shaken a few hands, signed a few autographs, and maybe kissed a few girls before riding off into the sunset of her glorious, post-grad future in set design.
Instead, she’s stuck spending the summer in her childhood bedroom, trawling the internet for job listings after a last minute internship cancellation in Europe.
It’s anything but triumphant. Her friends in the city won’t stop reminding her what she’s missing, her mom won’t stop researching lesbian slang terms to seem more ‘relatable,’ and around every corner in the small town of Chapel Creek, there’s Connie Shipley.
The girl Meg used to know better than anyone in the world.
The girl she spent countless nights huddled under the blankets with for sleepovers and movie marathons.
The girl who leaned in and kissed her four summers before.
The girl who hasn’t spoken to her since.
…Which makes it very inconvenient that Meg’s heart still stops every single time she sees her.
Available at:
#CassiNova by Lori G. Matthews
Samantha Cassidy, award-winning actress, up-and-coming Hollywood “It Girl”, is missing three things in her life: an Oscar, a special someone to share her life with, and a baby goat in pajamas.
Alex Novato married her college sweetheart, but tragedy struck and the love of her life was ripped from her arms. Now she refuses to open her heart again, choosing casual sex over deeper commitments, until a not-so-chance meeting with her favorite Hollywood starlet turns her world upside down.
Will Alex give love another try? Will Sam find the courage to follow her heart, Hollywood be damned? Will anyone get a baby goat in pajamas?
Available at:
The Bright Side by Lucy Bexley
Darby lives her life on the bright side. She loves her two best friends Mia and James, so much in fact that she’s built an awesome career running Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations with them. All she wants is to decorate houses, cheerlead the people around her, and for no one to call her by her given name (Jane). Astrid West is restless. She’s curated a life that ties her to nothing and no one. Her best friend is a stray cat named Meatball. She works a series of part-time jobs and owns exactly 8 shirts, all of them black. She’s lived in Denver for a year and has yet to commit to a lease. She moves cities on a whim, always looking for that perfect location where everything will fall into place. Astrid is working the door at Revel, a Denver lesbian bar, when she meets Darby. Darby, who wears mittens and pink heart sunglasses and offers to help her, a total stranger, move apartments on New Year’s Day. Can Darby convince Astrid that people make a place a home? Or will Astrid leave Denver in search of greener grass before she gets the chance?
Available at:
Greetings From Jamaica Wish You Were Queer by Mari SanGiovanni
Marie Santora comes from a volatile Italian family. But when she inherits her grandmother’s estate and everyone turns nice and caring, Marie knows it’s time to hit the road to Los Angeles, but not before one final family vacation.
In Jamaica, Marie meets the woman who could change her life. But will she even talk to Marie after her family tells one too many of Marie’s secrets? Don’t miss this hilarious tale of lesbian love and family togetherness run amok.
Available at:
Broad Awakening by Mickey Brent
After kissing at the Belgian coast, Hélène and Sylvie find ruts in their road to eternal bliss. In this sequel to Underwater Vibes, Hélène struggles to avoid Sylvie, her sexy Greek swimming coach. Attempting to shun her deepest emotions to save her marriage, inner turmoil makes Hélène react in bizarre, self-destructive ways. An intimate dinner turns sour as Sylvie’s tempting ex lurks nearby. When Sylvie heads to the airport with a mysterious, gorgeous woman, and a psychic reveals unexpected news, Hélène must face up to her feelings or risk losing Sylvie forever.
Available at:
London Holiday by Miranda MacLeod
When a struggling journalist meets a runaway princess, will it be the story of the century or the love of a lifetime?
Jordan is an American journalist living in London, but when her newspaper is sold to an infamous tabloid king, she has one week to produce a sensational tell-all article, or she’s out of a job—and out of the country. When a runaway princess nearly falls into her lap, it seems like the answer to her prayers.
Abby was a typical California girl until a twist of fate turned her into Princess Abigail, the heir to the throne of her father’s kingdom. When presented with an opportunity to escape her royal duties for a night out on the town while on an official state visit to London, she seizes the chance. But when she’s rescued by the woman of her dreams, she begins to doubt that she can ever return to royal life again.
As their madcap adventure carries them through the streets of London, both Jordan and Abby suspect they’ve found their perfect match, but if the secrets they are hiding are exposed, will their relationship survive?
Available at:
Love, Lorena by Ivy L. James
Lorena García Fernández has built her matchmaking company, “Love, Lorena,” from the ground up, but her parents refuse to acknowledge the business as legitimate. Hoping to impress them, she travels to Ìovoria to find Crown Prince Callum a match. However, when Callum unexpectedly abdicates, his wild sister, Rosamund, becomes the crown princess and Lorena’s new client.
Lorena knows “Rowdy Rosamund” from the news headlines, but as she helps the princess, she learns there’s more to Rose than her public persona. The two women grow closer with each date Lorena sets up for the crown princess, and Lorena finds herself falling for Rose.
With only a month to find the perfect match, each failure increases the pressure to succeed. How will Lorena choose between her duty and her heart?
Available at:
Perks of Office by Liz Rain
After high-powered politician Bridget O’Keefe sweeps into the uninspiring life of Australian electorate officer Emma Ives, nothing is the same again.
Hapless, hopeless Emma is smacked with an instant crush on the polished woman who’s her new boss…her hot, untouchable, straight boss. Yes, she knows she’s an idiot because unrequited lust at work is a terrible idea. Even so, she can dream.
One long night changes everything. A political scandal leads to a fall from grace and Emma suddenly finds herself the one Bridget turns to for comfort. There’s a lot for Emma to wrap her mind around, even as her body loves wrapping itself around Bridget’s curves.
Is it just a meaningless night of passion, nothing more? Because there’s absolutely no way ambitious, beautiful Bridget wants anything more from Emma. Is there?
Available at:
Internet Famous by MB Guel
Billie Alvarez is your average punk rock loving high school senior who just wants to hang out with her best friend, Rex, and get her ex-girlfriend back. In a half-baked attempt to impress her by auditioning for the lead part in the school musical, Billie gets turned down because she’s a girl trying out for a traditionally male part. When her online rant about the school being homophobic goes viral, she must navigate her newfound fame along with the typical drama that comes with getting through high school.
Between rehearsals, trying to get her band back together and an endless onslaught of online admirers, Billie must decide what’s important to her. Is it the fleeting happiness of getting attention online? Figuring out what she wants to do after high school? Or getting her ex back?
Then there’s her co-star in the school play, who’s getting much more interesting now that they’re spending more time rehearsing together.
Available at:
There You Are by Robin Alexander
Instead of becoming a famous fashion designer as she’d dreamed, Brett Bishop ends up working for the twenty-four-year-old daughter of an A-list designer instead. Even though her career plans didn’t turn out as she expected, she still believes her expectations for her love life will be met. Brett is ready to meet Ms. Right Forever if she can get a break in the schedule her young boss dictates.
Evangeline Scott, known as Scotty, also dreamed of being a famous fashion designer. Years of fighting tooth and nail for a toehold in the fashion industry have taken their toll. Scotty has lowered her expectations and is the latest designer for I Am Alex, a clothing line for young adults. Her boss Alex and her congenial attitude is like a breath of fresh air, but Alex’s chief designer, Brett, is something akin to morning breath with a dash of garlic, yet oddly interesting.
Scotty and Brett are more alike than they realize when they first meet, but it takes a crash landing in the wilderness for them to truly realize just how perfect they are for each other. They just have to survive Alex and her sister Cass who can’t stand each other, their Uncle Mark who can’t stand up to his own dog, and whatever lurks in the Montana mountains.
Available at:
Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
Every recipe needs a little chemistry . . .
Recently divorced Dahlia Woodson is ready to reinvent herself and she’s found the perfect opportunity: the hit cooking competition show Chef’s Special. Falling flat on her face on the first day is admittedly not the best start, but Dahlia isn’t going to let it mess up her focus.
London Parker is also there to win. As the first non-binary contestant on Chef’s Special, they have a lot to prove, and they have enough on their mind without being distracted by the pretty contestant who crashed into them on Day One and hasn’t really stopped talking since.
After filming a few episodes, Dahlia and London grow closer and things get a little steamy as they spend more time together outside of the show.
Suddenly winning isn’t as important as either of them thought, but when their relationship starts to feel the heat both in and out of the kitchen, Dahlia and London realise that love doesn’t always follow a recipe.
Available at:
Leave a comment
Leave a comment and let us know what book you’ll be reading for the “sapphic romantic comedy” category!
Don’t miss the Sapphic Book Advent Calendar
Have you signed up for the Sapphic Book Advent Calendar? Starting on December 1, we’ll open a new door every day and surprise you with a free ebook, a giveaway, or a discounted book. If you don’t want to miss it, sign up here to get a reminder email when it’s time to open a new door. This isn’t part of my blog or my newsletter, so you won’t get any other emails from me.
The post Sapphic romantic comedies (Sapphic Book Bingo #24) appeared first on Jae.
November 17, 2022
Sapphic book with more than two POVs (Book Unicorn #11)
For this month’s Book Unicorn, read a sapphic book that is told from more than two points of view. That could mean that not just the two main characters, but also at least one supporting character gets their own perspective in the book.
Books with more than two POVs are a Book Unicorn because most sapphic books, especially sapphic romances, are told from the points of view of the two main characters or, sometimes, just from the perspective of one protagonist.
15 recommended sapphic books with more than two points of view:
Here are my book recommendations for the “more than two POVs” category:
Hidden Truths by Jae
Everyone on the Hamilton ranch seems to be harboring a secret: Luke has been living as a husband and father for the past seventeen years, telling no one but her wife that she’s not the man she appears to be. Nora hides her past as a prostitute, while their daughter Amy is trying to keep her attraction to women secret.
Into this tricky situation arrives Rika Aaldenberg, a mail-order bride who traveled to Oregon to marry the family’s foreman. She, too, has her own secret: she’s not the woman who wrote the letters.
At first, Amy isn’t happy about having to show the newcomer around, but soon, Rika earns her respect…and maybe even her heart.
When hidden truths are revealed, will their family fall apart, or will love keep them together?
Available at:
A Deeper Blue by Regina Hanel
Sadness has a tendency to run deep, especially for Alexandra Jean Rey who spent most of her living years dealing with survivorship guilt. Raised by her grandmother, Alex allowed few people into her life. She lived one day to the next and often too close to the edge for comfort. But she was smart and strong, and found ways to manage each day as it came.
Her decision to leave her career as an animal behaviorist at Florida’s H&M Aquarium, followed by the loss of her best friend Andre the same year, tested Alex’s resilience. Andre’s will left Alex with control of half of Island Water Adventures, a lifeline during a difficult time and the possibility of a new start. Yet life never comes in a neat package.
Alex learns she and Andre’s partner Sean may lose Island Water Adventures in a will contest. She also discovers that the sound of one woman’s laughter will set into motion a series of events that would impact her heart and life forever. Kailyn Montgomery is that woman.
Will Kailyn lead Alex to find a deeper blue, or will the past weigh too heavily on both their futures?
Available at:
Undercover (Crossing Lines Trilogy 1) by Barbara Winkes
KENDALL
I swore to avenge my father’s death. I have to do it not only for my peace of mind, but to make sure everyone, from my family to the Biancos, knows that I am in charge now.
It’s lonely at the top. Jess is exactly who I need by my side, and I can’t let her go, even knowing about the danger that’s coming. Even after I learn of her true identity…
JESS/ROBYN
I began this undercover mission with good intentions and an infatuation for my target, Kendall Mancini, heir to a crime empire. My mission: to convince her to give up her vendetta and work with the authorities instead. For that, I had to get close to her.
I did get close to her. I couldn’t resist.
Now there’s no way back.
If we both want to survive this, we must do the impossible: Trust each other.
Available at:
Friends and Lovers by Lyn Denison
A life-threatening incident had changed Mac Donovan’s life. Now restricted to desk duties she was focusing on recovery and returning to her old job. She also knew she had to make the break from a dangerous secret relationship.
On the positive side she was seeing more of her friends and realising how much she’d missed them. Her best friend, Dee, didn’t want Mac to move on alone and informed Mac she knew someone who would be just right for her.
Mac wanted no such complications. Then she met the delightful Liv Murray and Mac conceded Dee might be right. But Liv Murray had her own secrets, her own personal dilemma. Could they help each other and find what they were both seeking?
However, taking a step forward meant Mac had to sort out the mess behind her. Was she up to that?
Available at:
Just Beyond the Shining River by Lynnette Beers
After she gave up a promising career as an artist and turned her back on her British roots, Gemma Oldfield settled into life in Los Angeles to be with the woman who’d captured her heart. When things don’t go as planned, Gemma buries herself in her work as a Hollywood set decorator—all the while clinging to the hope that the passion with her lover can be rekindled. But she must temporarily leave L.A. behind and return to England after her grandmother’s unexpected passing.
Once there, she discovers shocking secrets she could never have foreseen. When she finds hundreds of letters written from a mysterious person dating as far back as the 1930s, Gemma embarks upon a quest to understand why her grandmother took so many secrets to her grave.
In her pursuit to learn more about her grandmother’s past, Gemma meets an intriguing woman who has the potential to change the course of her life forever. But can Gemma open her heart to love again? Will she stay in England for a new beginning or return to the States to the life she knew before?
Available at:
In the Shadow of the Past: A Lesbian Historical Love Story (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak
She fell for the wrong woman … now it’s going to cost her.
New York City, 1943. Reporter Jenny Ryan is plagued with guilt. Plunging into a world of danger after her father’s murder, her burning need for justice drives her to take on a ruthless tycoon. But her plan goes awry when she falls for the criminal’s alluring mistress.
OSS agent Kathryn Hammond seethes with frustration. Trapped stateside in a dead-end assignment, the undercover spy fears she’ll never pay her wartime debts. But when a feisty journalist enters the picture, her resentment blooms into undeniable desire.
When she discovers her revenge could destroy the woman she loves, Jenny is faced with an impossible decision. But as Kathryn falls deeper for Jenny, giving up their forbidden relationship could be her only chance at redemption.
Will their passion cost them their lives, or can the star-crossed lovers still create a happy ending?
Available at:
For the Love of Charley by Patty Schramm
Ten years ago, Charley Townsend lost her wife and has never truly moved on from that day. Most of her time is consumed by her work as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant in Whitehorse. She has little time for anything else; especially dating. Jada Deveraux came to the Yukon because it was as far from Ontario as she could get without leaving Canada. What she never expected, was the prospect of falling in love. Jada and Charley meet under stressful circumstances, but Jada is fun loving and hopeful that she can break through the walls Charley has built up over the years. But is Charley ready to take the chance on love again? Will Jada be able to win Charley’s love? A lesbian romance about finding love again.
Available at:
Shadow Dancers by Suzie Clarke
Security specialist Rachel Portola and her wife, Claire, have begun to rebuild their lives and hope for their future. Rachel has made a promise to stay far away from danger, but her loyalties are tested when two of her team go missing while searching for Eshee Yumiko, the woman who will stop at nothing to see Rachel suffer. Rachel must find a way to become the hunter rather than the hunted and put an end to Eshee’s vendetta. But all Claire sees are Rachel’s broken promises, and her obsession to keep them safe by putting herself in peril may be the very thing that tears them apart for good.
Available at:
Testament of the Stars by Alexandra Beaumont
Astrologers govern the lives of both the blessed from the plateau of Gemynd and the downtrodden from the farming lands of Rask. When Einya reluctantly joins the settlement’s ruling star-cult, she thinks only of the rights it will give her: the permission to marry her Raskian lover. Instead she is thrown onto a treacherous path of betrayal and political strife, trapped within the cult persecuting Rask. Forced to drink the blood of the stars and steal their thoughts, Einya ends up at the heart of a fierce rebellion, caught between a fight for freedom and the strange luring power of the stars.
Available at:
Unbreakable by Cari Hunter
Dr. Grace Kendal never stands a chance. The injured woman comes out of nowhere, bleeding heavily and holding a gun. Compelled to help her, Grace is dragged into Elin Breckenridge’s nightmare. Their fight to survive will take them across the country and to the limits of their endurance. But who is Elin running from? As Grace struggles for answers, one thing becomes clear – Elin is somehow connected to a dead man, and Grace could be next.
For Detective Sergeant Safia Faris, the case should have been easy: one dead body, one suspect. But the deeper she digs, the more obvious it becomes that murder was only the beginning. The investigation sets her on a collision course with Grace and Elin, and she’s forced to reevaluate everything she knows. Because nothing is quite as it seems, and Grace’s and Elin’s lives aren’t the only ones on the line.
Available at:
Upheaval (As We Know It: Book One) by Rita Potter
It is time for Dillon Mitchell to start living again.
Since the death of her wife three years ago, Dillon had buried herself in her work. When an invitation arrives for Tiffany Daniels’ exclusive birthday party, her best friend persuades her to join them for the weekend.
It’s not the celebration that draws her but the location. The party is being held at the Whitaker Estate, one of the hottest tickets on the West Coast. The Estate once belonged to an eccentric survivalist, whose family converted it into a trendy destination while preserving some of its original history.
Surrounded by a roomful of successful lesbians, Dillon finds herself drawn to Skylar Lange, the mysterious and elusive bartender. Before the two can finish their first dance, a scream shatters the evening. When the party goers emerge from the underground bunker, they discover something terrible has happened at the Estate.
The group races to try to discover the cause of this upheaval, and whether it’s isolated to the Estate. Has the world, as we know it, changed forever?
Available at:
Wildflower Words by Sam Ledel
Hazel Thompson prides herself on being a beacon of earnest goodwill in Cedar Springs, Utah, where she works alongside her mother as a cook in a raucous restaurant and dance hall. But lately, Hazel wonders if she hasn’t clipped her own wings by always putting her family and neighbors first, leaving no time for her own wants.
Lida Jones, the daughter of roving Eastern European immigrants, treks West with her father in search of a better life on the rapidly developing American frontier. To help make money, Lida takes a job in the Pack Horse Library and gets to know the rowdy, tough residents of Cedar Springs. Getting close to anyone is a waste of time, though. She won’t be here long.
Hazel and Lida can’t help but get to know one another as Lida travels through on her route. When Lida’s father begins to struggle at work, Lida fears she’ll have to leave Cedar Springs—and Hazel—behind. But how can she when, finally, she’s found a place, and a person, to call home?
Available at:
The Quality of Her Voice by J.E. Fern
In the late 80’s a photographer regularly travels from Paris to London to visit friends. One day she hears the voice of a musician on the radio. This moment in time changes her life. This is the story of two women and their different choices.
Available at:
This Time by S.W. Andersen
Some people believe love transcends time and space.
Neuropsychologist Dr. Contessa “Tess” Kenner isn’t one of them. She can explain in detail how lust and desire cause the limbic system to battle the prefrontal cortex over ethical decision making, but ask her about her aversion to relationships and she’s completely at a loss. It’s not due to lack of trying. She’s just never felt the need or the connection to put in the effort.
Free spirited artist Elena Jake, on the other hand, wants to fall in love with the woman of her dreams—quite literally. Ever since her youth, her nights have been consumed by a beautiful stranger, so much so, that no flesh and blood woman has ever been able to measure up. When the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur, she seeks guidance from her Native American roots.
Driven by strong astrological influences, the “powers that be” attempt an intervention between the two women. Their pasts and presents merge, sending Tess and Elena on an unimaginable journey, causing them both to question their sanities.
Will these two souls rediscover an epic love?
Or are they destined to forever be star-crossed lovers?
Available at:
Calculated Risk by Katherine Rupley
Ex-US national rock climber Leslie McAllister finally has her life right where she wants it. When she’s asked to accept a new position in Boston, she must decide whether to stay in her comfort zone or take a leap and trust she’s anchored herself well enough to not fall.
Stuntwoman CJ Broadmore has big dreams and a big problem. She needs to learn to climb, and fast, if she wants to do stunt work on a new movie. Enter Leslie McAllister, who not only sparks an attraction, but who may be CJ’s ticket to success.
CJ and Leslie must calculate each step, weigh the risks, and work through their fears as they reach for the top—and toward each other.
Available at:
Don’t miss the Sapphic Book Advent Calendar
The holiday season is a tough time for many LGBTQ+ folks, and 2022 has been a touch year for many of us, so I’m trying to do something special for readers in December: I’ve put together a Sapphic Book Advent Calendar and have invited some of the most popular authors of sapphic fiction to participate. Each day, starting on December 1 until December 25, we’ll open a new door of the Advent calendar and surprise you with a book-ish treat such as a free ebook for everyone to download, a giveaway (ebook, paperback, or audiobook), or a book sale.
If you don’t want to miss it, sign up here to get a reminder email when it’s time to open a new door. This isn’t part of my blog or my newsletter, so you won’t get any other emails from me.
The post Sapphic book with more than two POVs (Book Unicorn #11) appeared first on Jae.
November 10, 2022
Sapphic book with a butch main character (Sapphic Book Bingo #23)
For this week’s Sapphic Book Bingo category, read a sapphic book with a butch main character.
In case you’re not sure what butch means: Butch has been used since the 1940s, primarily in the lesbian community, to refer to masculine-presenting women, but being butch is more than how you dress or wear your hair. It’s an identity that relates to masculinity without being male. Some genderqueer and nonbinary people also identify as butch, e.g., the two main characters in A Jade’s Diamond by Char Dafoe.
There are many ways to be butch, and I hope the books I recommend below reflect that.
15 sapphic books with a butch main character
Here are 15 recommended sapphic books with a main character who is butch.
Departure from the Script by Jae
Amanda isn’t looking for a relationship – and certainly not with Michelle. She has never been attracted to a butch woman before, and Michelle personifies the term butch. Having just landed a role on a TV show, Amanda is determined to focus on her career. But after a date that is not a date and some meddling from her grandmother, she wonders if it’s not time for a departure from her dating script.
Available at:
Ylva Publishing
Amazon
Apple Books
Audible
Shattered by Lee Winter
Earth’s first Black, lesbian superhero has had enough of humanity and disappeared. A stubborn tracker is sent to bring her home…any way she can.
Shattergirl is a brilliant but aloof Black, alien superhero who can hurl and destroy large objects. The world reveres her and other guardians like her, yet she’s suddenly refusing to save people and has suddenly disappeared.
Lena Martin, the street-smart human tracker with a silver tongue and a disdain for the rogue guardians she chases, has only days to bring Shattergirl home.
As the pair clash heatedly, masks begin to crack, and brutal secrets are exposed that could shatter them both.
Available at:
Between the Lines by KD Williamson
Psychiatrist Dr. Tonya Preston lives a life of cool detachment, often sacrificing her personal needs to appease her opinionated father. She often finds it easier to deal with patients than confront her family or her own issues. When her path dramatically crosses that of irrepressible rookie police officer Haley Jordan, she’s thrown out of her comfort zone.
Things have come easy for Haley, who has a drama-free life filled with love and friends that Tonya finds as alluring as the irreverent woman behind the badge. An attraction simmers between them, drawing them to each other. But will it be enough when work, family and a confronting police case starts to tear at their fledgling relationship?
Available at:
Dark Horse by A.L. Brooks
When facing her demons in the hometown that once exiled her, cool, butch, biker Sadie meets the most perfect opposite—a pretty, loving, bisexual desk clerk who warms all the places in her heart she didn’t know she had.
Sometimes, going back is the only way forward. Punished for a crime she did not commit, Sadie is sent away to live with her grandmother in Sydney, Australia. Now, several years later, Sadie’s an aloof, lone wolf, café-manager who loves only her best friend, her gran, and her motorbike. Returning home to see her dying mother, she’s forced to face her past.
In the midst of family turmoil, she connects with the most unlikely of people. Holly, a beautiful hotel desk clerk, is Sadie’s polar opposite and a beacon of warmth and light amidst Sadie’s darkness.
It’s a lot to take in. Between Sadie’s growing love and old family lies, can she build a new, bright future with Holly?
Available at:
Darkness Falls by KC Luck
If the lights go out forever, can love survive?
When four women from different walks of life are brought together by fate to witness the end of the world as they know it, each must find a way to survive against the odds as well as learn to rely on each other.
Jackie Scott wields incredible influence as a magazine executive in Seattle. As she plans a smashing party for her fortieth birthday, everything is precisely as she wants it. But when a solar storm lights up the night sky in a dazzling display, it not only ruins the party but destroys power around the planet and Jackie must turn for help from the one woman she has tried so hard not to want … Taylor.
Taylor Barnes is an Army veteran new to Seattle and wants nothing more than to find some peace and quiet working as a rent-a-cop in a corporate high-rise. When she is asked to attend the birthday party of the building’s powerful and sexy CEO, she can hardly say no. Little did she realize every skill she ever learned would be put to the test to save the woman she can’t seem to stop thinking about … Jackie.
Anna Patten is a nurse practitioner who has returned one last time to the town she ran away from to pack up the house where she grew up. Trying to avoid any drama, she cannot get away fast enough, or so she tells herself while her heart wonders about her high school crush. When fate lands them together in Seattle at a birthday party, suddenly Anna must lean on the woman she once left behind … Lexi.
Lexi Scott has built a simple life of writing novels and remodeling her farmhouse, but when she runs into a long-lost friend, her world is turned upside down. It’s not until she attends her sister Jackie’s birthday party that she is forced to not only face the apocalypse but now she must decide if she is willing to risk her heart again to save the only woman she ever loved … Anna.
The end of the world is only the beginning.
Available at:
Two Knights Tango by Tagan Shepard
I’ll see you in Chicago.
Those words echoed in Marisol Soltero’s mind as she sprinted across Bogota. Back in Chicago, she waited outside Governor Sabrina Sloane’s luxury condo, needing to see the woman she loved return to safety. But Sabrina didn’t return. Not to Chicago and not to Marisol.
That was six months ago. Now a series of disappearances in Humboldt Park provide the distraction Marisol needs. Her people are going missing. Snatched off the street right under her nose. Clues are sparse, but Marisol’s gut tells her the culprit is her old enemy.
Governor Sabrina Sloane has become a shadow of herself. She haunts the halls of the Governor’s Mansion, both her work and personal life flooded with nightmares. She knows Marisol is in danger, perhaps even more now that she’s back in Chicago, and Sloane will do anything it takes to keep the woman she loves safe. Even if it means confronting the man at the center of her nightmares.
But when two chess pieces are directed at the same enemy, they can get in each other’s way. If Marisol and Sabrina get the moves right, they could tango back into each other’s arms. If not, all of Chicago could pay the price.
Available at:
The Makings of You by Ava Freeman
After living recklessly for years, Giselle Turner knows the negative feelings her family has towards her. She’s determined to prove herself once and for all but that’s easier said than done. When she decides to move in with a relative for a fresh start, the last person she expects to run into again is Aaliyah, the woman who awakened her sexuality. As she fights to get her life in order, she discovers that there may be something sweet on the other side of sobriety.
Aaliyah Spencer has a good life. Great friends, a job she enjoys, and loving parents. What she doesn’t have is someone to share it all with. Fear of letting anyone in has rendered her unable to truly connect romantically leading to one failed relationship after another. Giselle is a breath of fresh air and her arrival challenges what Aaliyah thinks she knows about love.
Despite an undeniable attraction, their respective journeys couldn’t be more different. Yet each may have just what the other needs to become whole.
Available at:
A Call To Justice by S.W. Andersen
Gunslinger Sarah Sawyer has overcome her demons, vengeance-seeking relatives, and a loner streak as wide as the horizon to settle down out west with her partner, Jo.
But peace seems too much to ask for with the influx of new settlers, illness, and brazen thefts stirring tensions.
When a spate of white killings puts Native Americans in the crosshairs as the culprits, Sarah has a whole lot of questions and few answers she’s willing to swallow.
Driven by her desire to protect her town and root out injustice, Sarah reluctantly picks up the badge and seeks to reveal the truth.
Available at:
Cash Braddock by Ashley Bartlett
Cash Braddock is a drug dealer. But the classy kind. Pills. She really doesn’t get why people are so uptight about that sort of thing. She has a decent operation, a little business to launder money through, and only a few Mommy issues.
Laurel Collins is the perfect girl for Cash. She wears vintage ties and is totally chill. She doesn’t mind the dealing or Cash’s cat. It’s almost like she’s Cash’s dream girl. Sometimes she’s a little closed off about, you know, life. But who isn’t?
Sadly, the drug game doesn’t always run smoothly. There are dealers who don’t respect boundaries and unreliable customers. And, of course, dealers don’t fly under the cops’ radar forever. Even when they work with dirty cops. Which is a damn shame. It’s not like they’re hurting anybody, right?
Available at:
Clichéd Love by Lynn Galli
Vega, a journalist by trade and a cynic for life, came up with a brilliant pitch for a series of articles. Recount the tales of lesbian and gay couples to assure the heterosexual population that the institution of marriage isn’t at risk now that gay marriage is legal. Her editor loved the idea. Vega loved the notion of a long-term assignment that paid regularly. What she didn’t realize until too late was that she’d have to sit through every one of these often banal, regularly nauseating love stories without wanting to hurl herself off the nearest cliff. So much for her brilliant idea.
By the time she arrives in Seattle, she’s already had enough of interviewing couples, but she’s determined to see it through. After all, if the readers of a national newspaper can recognize a love story as a love story, regardless of sexuality, she might change a few minds out there. Helping to temper the discontent is new friend, Iris, who seems to know everyone’s story and, more importantly, shares Vega’s take on them. As the interviews continue and her friendship with Iris grows, Vega wonders if her lifelong cynical attitude toward love might be softening a bit.
Available at:
Cowgirl by Nance Sparks
Aren Jacobs trusts no one. Reeling from a devastating altercation with her foster family that left her scarred inside and out, she’s suddenly unemployed and all too happy to isolate herself from the world. But when a severe storm threatens her small community, Aren goes out to help and ends up saving Carol Matthews’s life.
Carol doesn’t know who to turn to after the storm leaves her homeless and grief stricken. Taking refuge with the woman who saved her is only one of her bad options, but there’s something about Aren that makes her feel safe despite all the rumors flying around town about what really happened the night Aren returned to visit her foster family.
The last thing Aren expects is to fall for Carol. Sharing her home is one thing, but sharing her heart means sharing the demons in her past and risking everything to keep Carol safe.
Available at:
Dead Woman’s Pond by Elle E. Ire
No matter how Flynn Dalton tries to avoid it, the supernatural finds her.
At first it’s not so bad. Flynn’s girlfriend, Genesis, is a nationally known psychic, which makes Flynn uncomfortable for both paranormal and financial reasons, but she can handle it. As long as no one makes her talk about it.
Then, on her way home from her construction job, Flynn almost ends up the latest casualty of Festivity’s infamous Dead Man’s Pond. And when her ex-lover’s ghost appears to warn her away, things get a whole lot weirder.
Flynn might not like it, but the pond has fixated on her to be its next victim. If she wants to survive, she’ll have to swallow her pride, accept Gen’s help, and get much closer to the psychic realm—and her own latent psychic abilities—than she ever wanted.
Available at:
Love Is Enough by Cindy Rizzo
Angie Antonelli has the life she’s always wanted—a promising political career, a supportive family, and great friends. The one thing missing is what she hoped she’d have by now, a committed relationship with the woman of her dreams.
Jan Clifford has been taking a break from dating while she figures out how to create a life that is more fulfilling than the country club society of her parents and her job in the family’s investment firm.
When Angie and Jan are set up on a blind date to go sailing, the chemistry is immediate and the attraction undeniable, but each wonders if she can really fit into the other’s world. Can the politician who fights for the little guy make things work with the financier who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth?
Before it has time to get very far, this new relationship is put to the test. First, Angie must decide how she really feels when the woman who broke her heart many years ago suddenly comes back into her life. And then the worlds of politics and finance collide when Jan refuses to walk away from a business deal that threatens Angie’s re-election to a second term in Congress.
Can the intense connection they feel keep Angie and Jan together? Only hopeless romantics believe that love is enough. Or is it?
Available at:
Mailboat by Cade Haddock Strong
Wen Apollo dreams of seeing the world beyond the small riverside town where she grew up. But operating the local mailboat keeps her tethered to Coopersville. Islands dot the river, and their residents rely on her to deliver everything from food and medicine to pet food and plumbing supplies.
On a raw spring day, Wen goes to Owl Island—the summer home of the illustrious Gage family—to deliver a package. It’s addressed to the family’s oldest daughter, Estelle, a woman Wen has long admired from afar.
Estelle Gage fled to the islands seeking solitude and an escape. With the deadline for her latest novel fast approaching, her sole focus is to write. But when the handsome mailboat captain shows up on her doorstep, writing is no longer the only thing on her mind.
A steady stream of packages continues to bring Wen back to Owl Island—and to Estelle. But as summer looms, so does the impending arrival of Estelle’s family. The return of the Gages will most certainly spell the end to Estelle and Wen’s idyllic time cloistered together on the island. What will that mean for their budding relationship?
Available at:
Me and My Boi by Sacchi Green (editor)
Me and My Boi throbs with the currency of lesbian love and lust today, when the love dares speak it’s name using new words, terms and letters. Me and My Boi celebrates lesbian bois, butches, and screw-the-binary free spirits; cool bois, hot bois, swaggering bois, shy bois, leather bois, flannel bois, butch daddies, and the girls (and other bois) who wouldn’t have them any other way. The stories range from Sinclair Sexsmith’s raw “Five Blow Jobs” through Victoria Oldham’s searing “Resurrection” and old-school lesbian bar tale “Hot Pants” by Jen Cross to the aching tenderness of “Her Gardener’s Boy” by D. Orchid. Twenty authors, among them Sommer Marsden, Annabeth Leong, Tamsin Flowers and Kathleen Tudor, heat up settings all the way from a Regency drawing room to modern Paris to a Brooklyn bike shop. Whatever turns you on, or cuts deep, or sparks your wildest fantasies, if these writers don’t push the buttons you already have, they’ll hook you up with some new ones. Gender has no boundaries, and neither does lust.
Available at:
Leave a comment
Leave a comment and let us know what book you’ll be reading for the “sapphic book with a butch main character” category!
Don’t miss the Sapphic Book Advent Calendar
The holiday season is a tough time for many LGBTQ+ folks, and 2022 has been a touch year for many of us, so I’m trying to do something special for readers in December: I’ve put together a Sapphic Book Advent Calendar and have invited some of the most popular authors of sapphic fiction to participate. Each day, starting on December 1 until December 25, we’ll open a new door of the Advent calendar and surprise you with a book-ish treat such as a free ebook for everyone to download, a giveaway (ebook, paperback, or audiobook), or a book sale.
If you don’t want to miss it, sign up here to get a reminder email when it’s time to open a new door. This isn’t part of my blog or my newsletter, so you won’t get any other emails from me.
The post Sapphic book with a butch main character (Sapphic Book Bingo #23) appeared first on Jae.
November 4, 2022
“Cuddle Romance” Giveaway
My latest sapphic romance, Just a Touch Away, which pairs a workaholic ice queen with a professional cuddler, has been out for more than two months now, so I thought it’s time for a giveaway!
I’m giving away:
a signed paperback copy of Just a Touch Away ,a paperback copy of The Cuddle Sutra (a guide on cuddle positions), anda cute T-shirt that says “free hugs.” The prickly cactus is a perfect fit for Winter, my ice queen character who wasn’t so fond of hugs or cuddles in the beginning.
If you prefer to win an ebook instead of the paperbacks + T-shirt, feel free to enter the giveaway and let me know on the giveaway form.
How to enter the giveaway
Anyone can enter the giveaway, no matter where you live. To participate, all you have to do is to fill out this giveaway form.
Entries close on Tuesday, November 8, at 10 a.m. Central European Time, when I’ll draw the winner using a random number generator. The winner will be notified via email.
Other books news!
While you wait to find out whether you won the signed copy of Just a Touch Away, how about reading another one of my books?
If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can now read my opposites-attract romance The Roommate Arrangement via KU without any additional costs.
Comedian Steph hopes to finally get her big break in LA. But to afford the rent, she needs a roommate.Enter Rae, a former police officer who got injured in the line of duty and now guards her wounded soul behind a tough exterior.
At first, they clash horribly, but bit by bit, Steph breaks through the walls Rae has built around herself.
Read it on KU or buy on Amazon!
Best of luck in the giveaway and happy reading,
Jae
The post “Cuddle Romance” Giveaway appeared first on Jae.
