Top 10 lesbian romance books: Classics, rom-coms, and audiobooks

The world of romance books is an endless treasure trove of passionate encounters and swoon-worthy love stories. Tucked away inside that world is an even deeper and wider array of lesbian romance, which (believe me) is full of so much sapphic goodness you could die of happiness — just ask my Goodreads “to-be-read” list.

Much to our delight, LGBTQ+ fiction has carved its mark on literature, but sometimes finding a good lesbian romance novel can be tricky if you don’t know where to start. We’ve got you covered. From new releases to audiobooks to timeless classics that shaped the genre, here are some of the best books featuring sapphic love.

1. “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith

As far as lesbian books go, you’d have a hard time finding one more iconic than this one. The movie “Carol” (a Christmastime favorite in my house) was based on this groundbreaking novel that follows shopkeeper Therese as she meets and falls in love with New York socialite Carol.

Highsmith, who also wrote “Strangers on a Train” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” was better known as a thriller writer and initially published “The Price of Salt” under the pseudonym Claire Morgan. This is her only book with an explicit relationship between women and her only novel that approaches happy ending territory. Well done, Trish.

2. “Meeting Millie” by Clare Ashton

I could start an entire book club based on academia cuteness, and this would be pick number one. The first of Ashton’s ongoing Oxford Romance series, “Meeting Millie” introduces excitable, enthusiastic Millie and reserved, buttoned-up Charlotte in their first year of law school at Oxford University before an uncomfortable mishap turns their friendship sour. When Charlotte returns to Oxford years later, she unexpectedly reunites with Millie after years apart. Friends turned estranged pals turned lovers? Talk about a slow burn.

These characters are messy and layered and complex. There are no perfect archetypes here, and at times, yes, they say the wrong things and get stuck in their feels, which makes the relationships of this story feel that much more true to life.

3. “Delilah Green Doesn’t Care” by Ashley Herring Blake

This contemporary romance pulls no emotional punches. Just when you think you’re getting enemies-to-lovers, you realize it’s a little more complicated than that. Delilah’s stepsister Astrid is getting married, Delilah has been hired to photograph the wedding, and bridesmaid Claire is just as stunning as she was back in high school.

When Claire hits on Delilah by accident, not recognizing her, it sets off a whole chain of adorable encounters. What if Astrid and her friends never hated Delilah like she thought? What if Claire had a crush on her this whole time? Just go ahead and stock up on Kleenex in advance, okay?

The Bright Falls series goes on to follow Claire’s two best friends as they find romance of their own (all sapphic — we love to see it). “Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail” and “Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date” are just as heart-twistingly sweet, and all three are ideal for readers in need of a tear-jerking happy ending.

4. “Something to Talk About” by Meryl Wilsner

A friend of mine gave me a copy of “Something to Talk About” and I texted “THANK YOU” the next day. Jo, a Hollywood tycoon, gets photographed whispering something to her assistant, Emma. Jo immediately has a PR crisis on her hands: the public thinks she and Emma are a couple right before Jo’s new film is about to launch. Suddenly, they can’t go anywhere without being followed by the paparazzi. The problem is...they’re kind of perfect together!

Wilsner’s more recent release “Cleat Cute” is an equally charming sports romance that follows two women’s soccer stars Grace and Phoebe as they try to make the U.S. Women’s National Team before the World Cup. Swoon!

5. “The Detour” by Meryl Wilsner on Dipsea

Okay, yes, we’ve established that Meryl Wilsner absolutely knows what they’re doing in terms of delightfully sapphic stories. We couldn’t let this list continue without mentioning that they’ve also written for Dipsea’s audiobook collection.

Alex thought escaping her past was as simple as putting her hometown in the rearview mirror. But when her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere on her cross-country road trip, things get complicated…

To start, she’s rescued by a sweet-talking local mechanic named Sierra who needs at least a few days to fix her car. And what’s worse, Alex finds herself attracted to her. Sierra’s small-town sensibilities seem to clash with Alex’s city-girl mentality at first, but the two can’t resist the pull that draws them closer and closer.

On a personal note: I am DYING for more episodes. Pretty please, Meryl? Dipsea?

6. “Read Between the Lines” by Rachel Lacey

If you loved “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry and wished for a sapphic version (I sure did), this is your next read. Better yet, if you watch “You’ve Got Mail” every September (I will die on the hill that it’s a fall movie), here you go.

Manhattan bookshop owner Rosie has a real soft spot for online romance author Brie, and the two of them hit it off immediately, swapping messages back and forth. The problem? Brie is a pseudonym, and the real woman behind the internet love stories is Jane, who works for the property developer that’s about to terminate the lease for Rosie’s beloved bookstore. I devoured this in one Sunday afternoon sitting.

7. “Written in the Stars” by Alexandria Bellefleur

I love romance, I love Seattle, and I love a good twist on a classic. Check, check, check.

Heartwarming and sweet, “Written in the Stars” is a contemporary “Pride and Prejudice” retelling that brings together free-spirited astrologer Elle with structured and serious actuary Darcy. A blind date kicks things off, a fib keeps things going, and a fake dating agreement makes things interesting. Opposites attract with a holiday backdrop, but you don’t have to wait for Christmas to appreciate this heartwarming pick.

8. “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston

McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue” is my comfort read, so when “One Last Stop” was published just two years later, I didn’t hesitate. I clicked “pre-order” without a second thought.

August is fumbling to find her feet in New York City when a chance (and super embarrassing) encounter on the subway introduces her to Jane, a heart-of-gold lesbian punk stuck in a time loop from the 1970s. The romance is adorable, though in my humble opinion, it’s the ragtag band of misfits that makes this story really special. Annie Depressant, August's drag star neighbor, is my personal favorite.

9. “The Ticket” on Dipsea

Sapphic love amid stunning travel destinations? This audiobook from Dipsea totally hooked me from the first episode. Juliette and Reese meet up once a month, never in the same place twice, and every trip is even more romantic and bucket list worthy than the last. With each meet-up, they explore their emotional (and physical) connection in unique ways, from role-playing to some intriguing location choices.

This was an instant favorite for me, but I may be biased. I’m a total sucker for a British accent.

10. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo may have been married to a crowd of successful suitors, but the real story at the heart of this book is her heartfelt connection with the one and only Celia St. James, the great and forbidden love of her life. The tale unfolds as Evelyn relays her life story to biographer Monique, whose own life intertwines with Evelyn’s in a surprising (and completely gut-wrenching) twist.

Looking for more lesbian love stories? Explore the Dipsea app’s collection of sapphic audiobooks under the Her + Her tag.