top sapphic reads of 2023
here’s to more in 2024 🥂
💅🏻The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur ||⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || Quiet wallflower bookseller meets heir to a publishing company/Romance cover model in this steamy sapphic romp. Tansy Adams, tired of her family’s questions, invents a fake girlfriend in a bestselling book’s cover model, Gemma. When Gemma van Dalen, said cover model and heir to Van Dalen Publishing, crosses her path, her white lie nearly implodes - but instead unravels in a string of chaos and a plot for a marriage of convenience. Gemma must be married to inherit Van Dalen Publishing, Tansy needs money to save her bookstore, what could possibly go wrong?
💅🏻Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli || ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|| Imogen is the World’s Greatest Ally. But just an ally. Right? Her own sense of self starts to crumble when she visits her BFF Lili at college and discovers that Lili has told all of her friends that they used to date. And that she ’s queer. Even though she’s… straight. Right? But the more she spends time with Lili’s new college friend, Tessa, the more she starts to wonder if she was ever all that straight to begin with…
💅🏻Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales ||⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|| Always an insta-buy for me, Sophie Gonzales did it again and I couldn’t NOT mention it. When their now famous ex-boyfriend asks them to participate in a reality show, two eighteen year old girls - one bent on revenge, the other open to rekindling romance - get tangled up in an unexpected twist when they fall for each other instead. It’s the best result of a love triangle, and it’s all so beautifully written.
What were YOUR favorite sapphic reads last year?
#booksoflemon8 #lemon8bookclub #bookrecommendations #queerlit #queerbooks #queerbookrecommendations
As a huge fan of queer literature, especially stories celebrating sapphic and bisexual love, I'm always on the lookout for books that truly resonate. While I shared my top picks for 2023, I wanted to dive a little deeper into why these types of stories are so incredibly important and what makes them shine. For me, seeing diverse representation on the page isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about finding pieces of ourselves reflected in narratives, understanding different experiences, and expanding our empathy. Sapphic and bisexual stories offer such a rich tapestry of human emotion, from the exhilarating rush of first love to the complex journey of self-discovery. They show us that love comes in countless forms and that every journey to self-acceptance is valid and beautiful. These narratives resonate deeply, offering comfort, validation, and often, a much-needed escape into worlds where queer joy takes center stage. What I particularly adore about the books I mentioned, and queer fiction in general, is how they take familiar tropes and infuse them with fresh perspectives. Take 'fake dating,' for example, a beloved rom-com staple. In a sapphic context, like in *The Fiancée Farce*, it adds another layer of delightful chaos and genuine connection, leading to a 'marriage of convenience' plot that feels both classic and wonderfully new. Similarly, the 'queer discovery' or 'late bloomer' narrative, beautifully explored in *Imogen, Obviously*, provides such a vital storyline for so many. It's about that often-unpredictable path to understanding one's own identity, sometimes when you least expect it. The journey of a 'bi MC' navigating these feelings is something that truly speaks to many readers, offering a mirror to their own experiences or a window into others'. And then there's the brilliance of subverting expectations, like a 'love triangle where the two fighting choose each other' – a trope I absolutely adore in *Never Ever Getting Back Together*. It’s a testament to the fact that queer stories aren't just about finding love, but often about finding the right love, even if it's not who you initially expected. These narratives, sometimes set against the backdrop of a 'bachelor-esque dating show,' highlight the myriad ways love can blossom, challenging conventional romance arcs and celebrating genuine connection above all else. The emotional depth and unique dynamics in these stories are what truly make them stand out. If you're as passionate about these themes as I am, I highly encourage you to explore beyond just these titles. There's a thriving community of authors writing incredible sapphic and bisexual stories across all genres – from fantasy to contemporary romance. Look for 'BiMCs' (Bisexual Main Characters) in book descriptions, follow queer book bloggers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and engage with online book communities on Goodreads or specific forums. You'll quickly discover a wealth of stories that will capture your heart and broaden your horizons, offering endless possibilities for your next favorite read. Here's to finding more amazing queer reads in 2024 and celebrating every step of the journey!
