Sapphic Reading Challenge 2021 – Stats, winners & most-read books

 

I can’t believe the Sapphic Reading Challenge 2021 is already over!

I would say it was a big success. I got so much feedback from readers who said they read more than ever before and found a lot of new favorite books and authors through the reading challenge. Best of all, many tried books they otherwise wouldn’t have picked up and were surprised at how much they enjoyed them.

Running a year-long reading challenge is also a huge endeavor. Putting together 62 book lists, with a total of 982 books, was a lot of work, and I couldn’t have done it alone. A big thank-you to Erin, who helped me look up all the blurbs and links, and to fellow author Donna Jay, who helped me run the Sapphic Reading Challenge 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 Reading Challenge.

 

Sapphic Reading Challenge 2021 stats

Since I’m not just a words woman, but also a numbers gal, here are some interesting stats about the Sapphic Reading Challenge 2021:

777 readers participated in the Sapphic Reading Challenge and sent in their book lists. I know there were more readers following each Sapphic Reading Challenge posts and using the suggested reading lists to find books for their to-be-read list, and that’s totally okay too, but I only counted those who officially sent in their reading lists.A total of 64,275 sapphic books were read for the Sapphic Reading Challenge! Most likely, it was more than that, but that’s the official count from the book lists that were sent in.48% of participating readers earned a Book Dragon level 2 (affectionately called the “Double Dragon”), which means they read at least 100 sapphic books in 2021. 31% accomplished a Book Dragon level 1 badge, which represents 50 sapphic books read in 2021. 11% completed the Book Bear badge (30 sapphic books), and 8% achieved a Book Squirrel (20 sapphic books). 3% ended the year with a Book Penguin badge (10 sapphic books read in 2021).

I was most pleasantly surprised at how many people tackled the Book Unicorn, which represents the harder-to-find genres and themes. 46% of all participants achieved a Book Unicorn badge in addition to one of the regular badges.For the Book Unicorn, readers had to read books for 10 of the 12 Unicorn categories, so they were allowed to skip one or two of the categories if they wanted. 50% of the Unicorn readers completed all 12 categories. The category that was skipped most often was steampunk fantasy—which surprised me. I thought most people would skip horror, but it was only on #2 of most-skipped categories, along with dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction.24 readers sent in three completed Dragons or more, which means they read 150 books or more. One reader read a total of 694 sapphic books read in 2021!

 

And the winners of the Sapphic Reading Challenge book giveaway are…

Using a random number generator, I drew six winners—one for each level. Each of them wins a book bundle of either 10 signed paperbacks or 10 ebooks or a mix of ebooks & paperbacks (winner’s choice).

The winners are:

Paige R.TannazElizabeth B.MirielenDeclan S.Lyn

 

Congratulations! If you are one of the winners, keep an eye on your in-box. I’ll email you tomorrow to arrange the delivery of your book prizes.

 

THE MOST-READ BOOKS FOR THE SAPPHIC READING CHALLENGE 

It was very interesting to take a look at the book lists 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!

For some categories such as “recommended by a friend” or “re-read a favorite book,” nearly every reader seemed to have read a different book, and it took until the end of the year before I could clearly determine the most-read books for these categories. To me, that proves how vast our genre is by now. There are so many sapphic books available, with more being published each month, that there is one for every taste, and that’s wonderful to see!

In other categories such as “ice queen character,” “age-gap romance,” or “enemies-to-lovers romance,” many readers were drawn to the same books. Some categories had two or three clear winners, while others had about a dozen that were in a tight race for “most-read book.”

Here are the 5 books for each category of the Sapphic Reading Challenge:

 

Enemies-to-lovers romance: Heart Failure by Chris ZettPaper Love by JaeBet Against Me by Fiona RileyHotel Queens by Lee WinterNight Tide by Anna Burke TIED WITH Falling Slowly by Lila Bruce

 

Character with an everyday job: Wrong Number, Right Woman by JaeWhen You Least Expect It by Haley CassContract for Love by Alison GreyUp on the Roof by A.L. BrooksHeart Trouble by Jae

 

Return to hometown: Perfect Rhythm by JaeThe Long Way Home by Rachel SpanglerYou Again by Aurora ReyBehind the Pine Curtain by Gerri HillIn the Black by Luci Dreamer

 

Character is a journalist or reporter: The Red Files by Lee WinterThe Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKayThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Miracle Girl by T.B. MarkinsonClichéd Love by Lynn Galli TIED WITH Under Your Skin by Lee Winter AND The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter

 

From The Lesbian Review’s “Best of the Best” list: Wrong Number, Right Woman by JaeFinding Jessica Lambert by Clare AshtonSpindrift by Anna BurkeDare to Love by A.L. BrooksBefore You Say I Do by Clare Lydon TIED WITH The Headmistress by Milena McKay AND Gillette Park by Gerri Hill

 

Only one bed: Alone by EJ NoyesAnyone But Her by Erica LeeJust for Show by JaeAll the Reasons I Need by Jaime ClevengerMutual Benefits by HP Munro

 

Character with a disability or mental illness: Just Physical by JaeWounded Souls by RJ NolanAsk Me Again by EJ NoyesThe Roommate Arrangement by JaeMending Defects by Lynn Galli

 

Character is a book lover: Good Enough to Eat by Jae & Alison GreyMust Love Silence by Lucy BexleySunsets and Shades by Erica LeeGive In to Me by Elle SpencerThe Secret Poet by Georgia Beers

 

One-night stand to forever: Turbulence by EJ NoyesThursday Afternoons by Tracey RichardsonJust Physical by JaeNo Strings by Gerri HillIn Her Arms by Melissa Tereze

 

Speculative fiction: Reaping the Benefits by EJ NoyesSecond Nature by JaeGood Enough to Eat by Jae & Alison GreyShattered by Lee WinterWild by Meghan O’Brien

 

Ice queen character: Hotel Queens by Lee WinterThe Brutal Truth by Lee WinterIce Queen by Gun BrookeHeart of Ice by T.B. MarkinsonThe X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair

 

Neurodiverse character: Two Hearts Alone by Harper BlissWorthy of Love by Quinn IvinsLeaving’s Not the Only Way to Go by Kay AckerThe Words Shimmer by Jenn MatthewsFitting In by Amanda Radley

 

Longer book: Those Who Wait by Haley CassDamage Control by JaeAurora’s Angel by Emily NoonJericho by Ann McManAll the Little Moments by G Benson

 

Character is a medical professional: Who’d Have Thought by G BensonAsk, Tell by EJ NoyesUnrivaled by RadclyffeA. Metro by RJ NolanOne More Chance by Ali Vali TIED WITH Falling Hard by Jae AND Passion’s Bright Fury by Radclyffe

 

Genre you don’t usually read: Good Enough to Eat by Jae & Alison GreyDead Lez Walking by G BensonTipping the Velvet by Sarah WatersOf Iron and Gold by Lexa LuthorSecond Nature by Jae

 

Grumpy & sunshine: Written in the Stars by Alexandria BellefleurThe Roommate Arrangement by JaeHunter’s Way by Gerri HillGulf Breeze by Gerri HillUnder a Falling Star by Jae

 

Character is a teacher or professor: Chemistry Lessons by JaeComing Home by KJThe Love Factor by Quinn IvinsBeowulf for Cretins by Ann McManEverything We Never Wanted by Sienna Waters

 

Coming out later in life: Wild Things by Karin KallmakerDare to Love by A.L. BrooksBreaking Character by Lee Winter TIED WITH About That Kiss by Harper BlissIf the Shoe Fits by EJ NoyesJust Jorie by Robin Alexander TIED WITH Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

 

Historical fiction / historical romance: Backwards to Oregon by JaeHidden Truths by JaeShaken to the Core by JaeThe Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia WaiteKicker’s Journey by Lois Cloarec Hart TIED WITH A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian

 

Nerdy/geeky character: Paper Love by JaeJust My Type by Lucy Bexley & Bryce OakleyThe Scent of Rome by Lise GoldInfinite Loop by Meghan O’BrienThe Love Factor by Quinn Ivins

 

Age gap romance: If You Kiss Me Like That by Harper Bliss Middleton by Melissa Tereze TIED WITH The Brutal Truth by Lee WinterNever Say Never by Rachael SommersDetour to Love by Amanda RadleyAt Your Most Beautiful by Harper Bliss TIED WITH Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner AND Coming Home by KJ

 

Character of a different ethnicity, culture, or race than you: Dear Taylor by Eija JimenezI Can’t Think Straight by Shamim Sarif TIED WITH Femme Like Her by Fiona ZeddeThe Power of Mercy by Fiona ZeddeHoney Girl by Morgan RogersBig Girl Pill by KD Williamson TIED WITH Prize Money by Celeste Castro

 

Recommended by a friend: The Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKayThrust by Rachel SpanglerAnd Playing the Role of Herself by KE LaneWhen You Least Expect It by Haley CassThe Headmistress by Milena McKay TIED WITH Middleton by Melissa Tereze AND About That Kiss by Harper Bliss

 

Character is a musician: Perfect Rhythm by JaeRequiem for Immortals by Lee WinterIrregular Heartbeat by Chris ZettLove’s Falling Star by B.D. GraysonForbidden Melody by Maggie Robbins

 

Your favorite author’s favorite book: And Playing the Role of Herself by KE LaneThe Lily and the Crown by Roslyn SinclairAsk, Tell by EJ NoyesJericho by Ann McManAlone by EJ Noyes TIED WITH Wild by Meghan O’Brien

 

Character was adopted/in foster care: When Sparks Fly by Kristen ZimmerKiss the Girl by Melissa BraydenHeart Trouble by JaeChanging the Script by Lee WinterPopcorn Love by KL Hughes TIED WITH All That Matters by Susan X Meagher

 

Shy or socially awkward character: Must Love Silence by Lucy BexleyWrong Number, Right Woman by JaeSomething in the Wine by JaePitifully Ugly by Robin AlexanderThe Lily and the Crown by Roslyn Sinclair TIED WITH The Love Project by T.B. Markinson & Miranda MacLeod

 

Character rocks a power suit: If the Shoe Fits by EJ NoyesHotel Queens by Lee WinterNext of Kin by JaeThe Brutal Truth by Lee Winter TIED WITH Never Say Never by Rachael SommersHopeless Romantic by Georgia Beers TIED WITH Too Close to Touch by Georgia Beers

 

Book starts with the first day of a new job: Under a Falling Star by JaeThe Bartender’s Pride by TJ DallasIrregular Heartbeat by Chris Zett46 by Lynn AmesTurbulence by EJ Noyes

 

Mystery: A Curious Woman by Jess LeaGallows Humour by Carolyn ElizabethRed Tide at Heron Bay by Gerri HillThe Red Files by Lee WinterAmateur City by Katherine V. Forrest TIED WITH Payback by Charlotte Mills AND Gillette Park by Gerri Hill

 

Friends-to-lovers romance: Chemistry Lessons by JaeJust Three Words by Melissa BraydenAlways Alex by Robin AlexanderThe Thing About Tilly by G BensonThe Goodmans by Clare Ashton TIED WITH Snow Globe by Georgia Beers

 

Body-positive book: Just for Show by JaeWrong Number, Right Woman by JaeFinding Home by Jamey MoodyMind Games by Cara MaloneA Curious Woman by Jess Lea TIED WITH Body Language by Renee Roman

 

Disguised or living as a man: Backwards to Oregon by JaeHeart of Gold by L. DreamerHidden Truths by JaeNottingham by Anna BurkeCrossing the Wide Forever by Missouri Vaun TIED WITH The Devil Between Us by S.C. Wilson

 

Character works in the food industry: Not the Marrying Kind by JaeA Taste of Love by Clare LydonTable for Two by Kate GavinThe Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher TIED WITH Scent by Kris BryantRecipe for Love by Aurora Rey TIED WTH How Sweet It Is by Melissa Brayden

 

Re-read a favorite: Ask, Tell by EJ NoyesThe Brutal Truth by Lee WinterWho’d Have Thought by G BensonBackwards to Oregon by JaePopcorn Love by KL Hughes TIED WITH When You Least Expect It by Haley Cass

 

Road trip: The Road Ahead by Amanda RadleyHairpin Curves by Elia Winters44 Hours by Donna JayInfinite Loop by Meghan O’BrienJust Jorie by Robin Alexander

 

Bisexual or pansexual character: Strawberry Summer by Melissa BraydenThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidNot the Marrying Kind Love by JaeWho’d Have Thought by G Benson TIED WITH 16 Steps to Forever by Georgia BeersGet It Right by Skye Kilaen

 

Animal on the cover: Pas de Deux by EJ NoyesRun to You by Georgia BeersSecond Nature by JaePuppy Love by Cara MaloneThe Adventurers by Bryce Oakley

 

Girl-next-door character: Breaking Character by Lee Winter16 Steps to Forever by Georgia BeersNot the Marrying Kind by JaeConflict of Interest by JaeFalling Hard by Jae TIED WITH The Flaw in Our Design by Monica McCallan AND Poppy Jenkins by Clare Ashton

 

Adventure in nature: The Stars at Night by Gerri Hill44 Hours by Donna JayRock and a Hard Place by Andrea BramhallDesolation Point by Cari Hunter TIED WITH The Adventurers by Bryce OakleyAll at Sea by Cheyenne Blue TIED WITH The Island Between Us by Wendy Hudson

 

Mistaken identity: Mistaken Identity by Donna JayScent by Kris BryantWrong Number, Right Woman by JaeDeparture from the Script by JaeTelling Lies Online by Miranda MacLeod TIED WITH Under a Falling Star by Jae

 

Set in a country you don’t live in: Paper Love by JaeModern English by Rachel SpanglerChanging the Script by Lee WinterNot-So-Straight Sue by Cheyenne BlueComing Home by KJ TIED WITH I Can’t Think Straight by Shamim Sarif

 

Part of a series: Conflict of Interest by JaeThe Devil Incarnate by Ali ValiDeparture from the Script by JaeFrench Kissing: Season One by Harper BlissNorthern Vows by Lise Gold

 

Character is a business owner: Hopeless Romantic by Georgia BeersNot the Marrying Kind by Jae TIED WITH Scent by Kris BryantTwice in a Lifetime by Clare LydonBreaking Routine by Melissa TerezeReady or Not by Melissa Brayden

 

New-to-you author: Sprinkled in the Stars by Violet MorleyThe Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKayComing Home by KJWritten in the Stars by Alexandria BellefleurThe Fifth Surgeon by Faith Prize TIED WITH 44 Hours by Donna Jay AND Never Say Never by Rachael Sommers

 

Set in the 20th century: The Love Factor by Quinn IvinsShaken to the Core by JaeThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Beginning of Everything by Cara MaloneLast Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

 

Character who isn’t “Hollywood beautiful”: Wrong Number, Right Woman by JaeDamage Control by JaeEverything Between Us by Harper BlissJust for Show by JaeThe Shape of You by Georgia Beers

 

Character works in STEM: Love by the Numbers by Karin KallmakerChemistry Lessons by JaeUnlikely Match by Fiona RileyThe Love Factor by Quinn Ivins TIED WITH Honey Girl by Morgan RogersBreakthrough by Terri Cutshall TIED WITH Remember Me, Synthetica by K. Aten

 

Forced proximity: 13 Hours by Meghan O’BrienSnow Falls by Gerri HillAlone by EJ NoyesLost in Paradise by Rachel Lacey TIED WITH Accidental Honeymoon by Miranda MacLeod44 Hours by Donna Jay TIED WITH Protecting the Lady by Amanda Radley

 

Anthology, short story collection, novella: Sliced Ice by Lee WinterGlimpses by Jae, Lee Winter, Lola Keeley, A.L. Brooks, Cheyenne Blue, Fiona Zedde, Chris Zett & Quinn IvinsBeyond the Trail by JaeHappily Ever After by JaeAfter Happily Ever After by Astrid Ohletz & Alex K. Thorne

 

The most-read books for the Book Unicorn level:

 

Butch/butch pairing: Life Rewired by Lynn GalliNight Call by RadclyffeShattered by Lee WinterDesperate Times by Hildred BillingsTake a Chance by D. Jackson Leigh

 

Time travel: One Last Stop by Casey McQuistonKiss Me Every Day by Dena BlakeThis Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max GladstoneGift of Time by Robin AlexanderThe Sea Within by Missouri Vaun TIED WITH The Time Slip Girl by Elizabeth Andre

 

Character over 40: One Golden Summer by Clare Lydon & T.B. MarkinsonThis Foreign Affair by Harper BlissWrong Number, Right Woman by Jae Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney MilanAfter Mrs. Hamilton by Clare Ashton

 

High fantasy: Aurora’s Angel by Emily NoonDaughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark by Karen FrostBroken Wings by L-J BakerOf Fire and Stars by Audrey CoulthurstThe Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

 

Polyamorous relationship: Love Without Limits by Harper BlissForever Theirs by Anna StoneThe Three by Meghan O’BrienNights of Silk and Sapphire by Amber JacobsThree’s a Crowd by Cynthia Dane & Hildred Billings

 

Thriller: Requiem for Immortals by Lee WinterThe Target by Gerri HillDirt Nap by Carolyn ElizabethIgnis by KJ TIED WITH The Athena Protocol by Shamim SarifKiller Instinct by Barbara Winkes

 

Sapphic nonbinary character: Christmas Inn Maine by Chelsea M. CameronIgnis by KJSimply Connected by Alex WashoeLove Kills Twice by Rien GrayIn the Silences by Rachel Gold TIED WITH Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller AND A Jade’s Diamond by Char Dafoe

 

Steampunk or gaslamp fantasy: Romancing the Inventor by Gail CarrigerDemon in the Machine by Lise MacTagueSkin Deep by Violet PenroseA Pinch of Salt by Nita RoundThe Lost Temple of Psiere by K. Aten

 

Jewish character: Knit One, Girl Two by Shira GlassmanHotel Queens by Lee WinterSomething to Talk About by Meryl WilsnerGreat Bones by Lynn Ames TIED WITH Timing Is Everything by Alison R. SolomonThe Papercutter by Cindy Rizzo

 

Horror: Dead Lez Walking by G BensonKeeper of the Cave by Gerri HillCastle Wrath by Karin KallmakerDani by Angelique Jordonna TIED WITH Venandi by KC Luck AND Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. DanforthCold as Hell by Neen Cohen

 

Character is a sapphic trans woman: Fake It by Lily SeabrookeKnowing Her by Raquel De LeonDreadnought by April DanielsBeing Emily by Rachel GoldStaying True by Suzie Carr TIED WITH Tengoku by Rae D. Magdon

 

Dystopian, apocalyptic, or post-apocalyptic fiction: Darkness Falls by KC LuckSurvival Instincts by May DawneyCompass Rose by Anna BurkeThe Three by Meghan O’BrienIn Dyer Need by Claire Highton-Stevenson

 

Join the Sapphic Book Bingo 2022!

I’ll be running another year-long reading challenge in 2022. This time, it’s a Sapphic Book Bingo, with two different bingo cards to choose from. I’ll post the rules and categories tomorrow (January 1) and the book recommendations for the first square (“favorite romance trope” with 10 books for each of the top 6 favorite tropes) on January 6.

Make sure you subscribe to my blog so you won’t miss it!

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