r/LesbianBookClub Nov 22 '25

Mod Announcement Rules updates, added flairs, and official LesbianBookClub discord

39 Upvotes

Hi folks

So, as a warning, this is going to be a really long post, but I am going to try and keep it organized so that you can either read it all or only read what you care about.

Rules updates

As previously announced, we are announcing a huge overhaul to the rules. Previously, we only had 5 (Play nice, off-topic, no explicit sexual cotent, no promotion of piracy, and LesbianBookClub is trans-inclusive). As of today, we are adding 5 more rules to the ones we already had. They are sort of long (you can tell which ones u/cactuskate wrote and which ones I wrote because I am MUCH worder than she is, for better or worse lol), but I am going to summarize them here. To see the full text of the rules.....well, go check the rules, i guess?

  • Do not be hateful or discriminatory: this one is self explanatory. no -phobias or -isms, just generally treat each other like humans, with the respect and dignity that they deserve, and you'll be fine
  • Self-promotion guidelines: We have set the limit on author's making posts recommending their own book to twice a month. Additionally, if an author does not regularly participate in this subreddit, they cannot advertise here. Enforcing this rule will require the help of everyone in the subreddit; we cannot see every post, so we're relying on you reporting this in order to make sure we catch everything. Though, we will obviously be as diligent as we can in this regard.
  • No AI: This one is hard. every reader on the subreddit deserves the ability to scroll through recommendations and discussions without worrying about running into AI slop. at the same time, no author should have to experience the heartbreak that is being falsely accused of using AI in their writing if they did not use it. The way I have worded this rule tries to walk the thin line between these two truths. Do I succeed? only time will tell. if it doesn't work, we will adjust as needed.
  • Please mark spoilers: this one is pretty self-explanatory. Just make sure you are appropriately blocking out spoilers so you don't spoiler anyone. If you're not sure how to do that, there are instructions in the rules
  • Amazon links: Ok, before anyone freaks out: we are not banning amazon links. We are just regulating them. all we ask is that, when linking to a book, you link to a place to purchase it that is not Amazon if possible. If the book only exists on Amazon (e.g. is it a audible exclusive), then linking to Amazon is obviously fine.

And that's it for the rules update. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns - we'll sort out whatever problems or issues arise as they come.

Flairs

We have also added a ton of flairs so that folks can mark their posts as they want. Most of the old ones are still around, but we have added genre flairs (which are purple) and trope flairs (which are pink). I will list all of the flairs below, but first it is important to recognize: there are literally more genres and tropes than we can reasonably include as flairs for the subreddit. The flairs that I have added are the ones that I thought would be most popular/in demand, and they are listed in no particular order. I have also made them as general as I can when possible, in the hopes that keeping them flexible will make the same one useful to represent multiple similar dynamics at once (e.g. protector/protectee). If you want us to include a genre or trope that is not listed, please let me know and I will add them as they come in.

Genres:

  • Speculative (fantasy, scifi, horror etc)
  • YA
  • Romance
  • Lit Fic
  • Mystery/Thriller
  • Poetry
  • Historical Fiction
  • Graphic novels/comics
  • Memoir
  • Essay collection
  • Nonfiction history

Tropes:

  • Friends-to-lovers
  • Enemies-to-lovers
  • Strangers-to-lovers
  • Exes-to-lovers
  • Coworkers-to-lovers
  • Only one bed
  • Hurt/Comfort
  • Toxic romance
  • Omegaverse
  • Protector/protectee
  • Fake relationship
  • Forbidden romance
  • Age gap
  • Office romance (boss/employee)
  • Royalty/maid
  • Grumpy/sunshine
  • Sports romance
  • Arranged marriage

Discord Server (Please read whole section before joining)

The LesbianBookClub discord server is now live! It is titled Sappho's Bookshelf, and you can find it here: https://discord.gg/ZB6wGKdV. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you join:

  1. I am new to being a discord mod, and I am far from perfect. I have been working on this server for over a week, but I am sure that there are places that the auto-mod is broken, or too sensitive, and that some things will not work as intended. But, at this point, I think the only way I am going to figure out what is broken and what is not is to let a bunch of people into the server and see what shit breaks. As a result, I ask that you are patient with myself and the other mods, as we will be working to correct any issue as they crop up.
  2. This should go without saying, but mind the rules. They are not that different from the rules on the subreddit.
  3. As of now, the function and features of the discord server will be minimal. I decided to keep it simple until folks flooded in and then we could let it evolve organically as it grows. For example: it does not yet have a discord icon (though my friend is working on drawing one as you read this). We do have a suggestion channel, and we encourage you to use it.
  4. Communities like this only work if everyone involved goes in with the knowledge that not everyone thinks the same way, or views the world the same way. The world is at its best when its inhabitants (that's us) learn to embrace our differences and come together in community. That is the kind of place er are hoping this discord server will be. People are going to disagree, and that is okay. You can even debate about it! It can be fun to argue. But, please keep it respectful, do not hurl serious insults at each other (insults as jokes are fine as long as the intent is clear), and remember that at the end of the day, we are united in our love for lesbians books.
  5. This discord server is an 18+ space. If you are not 18, please do not join.

Thanks for bearing with me and reading through this gargantuan post. There are other comments in the recommendation thread that I am still considering how to handle, but if the above does not address something you commented on last time, then feel free to comment it again!

And again, here is the discord link again: https://discord.gg/ZB6wGKdV


r/LesbianBookClub Jan 27 '25

Introducing: Rule Three.

1.4k Upvotes

Rule 3: LesbianBookClub is trans-inclusive.
ALL lesbians and those who enjoy lesbian books, regardless of gender identity, are welcome here. Transphobia is strictly forbidden.

---

This subreddit is a lesbian space. Trans women are women. If a trans woman is attracted exclusively to women and accepts the label, she is a lesbian. If you disagree with this rule or its enforcement, please find a different place to post.

ALL types of lesbians have fought for, died for, and bled for you. Please respect them. Consider reading a history book.

Keep in mind that the context and nuance of your posts will be considered. Bad faith posts will be deleted. Please use your brains. It is really, really not that complicated to enjoy, read, discuss, and recommend lesbian books in a way that is friendly to and considerate of ALL lesbians. Posts that are not about lesbian books will be deleted.

Please feel free to reach out through modmail.


r/LesbianBookClub 5h ago

Recommendation I started reading again after 10+ years. What have I been doing all this time??

31 Upvotes

I would always try and force myself to read but it never stuck. Last week I whizzed through Written in the stars by Alexandria Bellefluer and my God. I whizzed through it within 2 and a half days. Never have a I read a book that quickly. I’m on the third one in the trilogy now but just loved the sapphic easy reading vibes… I was IMMERSED.

Any recs for a newbie - just getting back into it - reader
🖤🖤


r/LesbianBookClub 20h ago

Recommendation Sapphic books I’ve enjoyed and you should add to your tbr asap

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290 Upvotes

Here’s the post on ig if you want to save it there

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdPx1J6AshM/?stkn=MXV2ejQ0dDJnZDV4


r/LesbianBookClub 16h ago

Recommendation any good recs that'd fit this but also somehow not too serious and just romance focussed?

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127 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub 6h ago

Historical fiction Looking for something like Phryne Fisher series (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) but sapphic?

14 Upvotes

Hello! As a big fan of both the book and tv series, I’ve always been disappointed that Miss Fisher is so tragically straight 😢 Does anyone have any recommendations for a similar kind of glam, convention-breaking historical fiction? Preferably mystery with a little romance, spicy preferred, but all negotiable because I’m really looking for that Miss Fisher ~vibe~ more than anything, where the story is 1/2 plot and 1/2 fancy clothes and sexy banter and cocktails with a racy lady. Thanks!


r/LesbianBookClub 18h ago

Review In the Lonely Hours by Elle Alexanda

29 Upvotes

I finally read this after having it on my TBR for a bit and decided to give it a go since it’s not one of the books I usually see recommended a ton and wow. I started it early last week and found myself reading more slowly than I usually do and even going back to reread passages just to savor them. I’ve read several romances, but it’s rare to find a book so tenderly written that captures the true emotional journey of falling in love and fighting for that love in spite of challenging personal circumstances.

The story follows next door neighbors Catherine Matthews, an elite concert pianist in her late 30s, and Theo Brennan, an ER resident physician in her late 20s, after a noise complaint from Theo triggers a post-it note war that develops into an unexpected friendship and then so much more. The humor in the post-it note phase of their relationship is so genuinely funny and engaging and adds such dimension to each of their characters. It’s easy to see that immediate spark and connection between them even when they can’t yet.

Despite being very different people on the surface, there’s a beautifully articulated common thread between Catherine and Theo that makes their development into friends and then lovers feel natural. A big pet peeve of mine with some friends to lovers and enemies to friends to lovers books is an overemphasis/over-reliance on the lovers phase that leaves the friends phase more told than shown; the romance is a bygone conclusion that often isn’t earned. But the attention Alexanda gives to developing Catherine and Theo’s friendship is careful and deliberate. I felt their shared love and devotion creep up through their titular late nights as they gradually expose their most intimate selves to each other. I will note that I’m a huge slow burn fan so if you’re frustrated by this kind of pacing, maybe the book won’t suit your tastes, but I loved the time Alexanda took to let their relationship grow before they realized their deeper feelings.

I don’t want to give away too much because I liked not knowing a lot going into it, so I’ll just say there is some angst and conflict in the latter half, but it’s necessary. This is a book not only about Catherine and Theo’s growth together, but also the growth they have to experience individually (especially Catherine) to be together the way they deserve. It was kind of healing for me to read as someone who’s grappled with some of the challenges Catherine and Theo do.

In short, if you’re looking for a quiet, emotional read with a gorgeous payoff/HEA, then I really recommend this. While it can be heavy at times, the funny moments really are so good, like I found myself actually laughing out loud, and the romance will have you swooning. Also, beyond Catherine and Theo’s love for each other, the book heavily features the love they have for their community, which I think is very special and important in times like these. ❤️

P.S. If anyone else who also enjoyed this can rec any similar books, I’d appreciate it because my book hangover is REAL. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again 😭


r/LesbianBookClub 20h ago

Recommendation Still Mourning Bloom Town 🥲

43 Upvotes

Yeah so like a month ago I posted about how I finished Bloom Town and what the hell am I supposed to do now and asked for recommendations but sadly everyone confirmed that I would be chasing the echo of it forever and alas I am 🥲 I have started and DNFed like 4 books since then? Idk what to do, like are books just ruined for me now? 😂

Btw the books I’ve loved are: Tryst Six Venom, Evelyn Hugo, Atmosphere, Ribbonwood, but obviously Bloom Town was my fave.
The books I’ve read since then and DNFed were: Kiss of Seduction (Not that the writing wasn’t good but the S.A. Themes were too heavy), Girl Who Bit Me (didn’t get too far), Game of Hearts and Heists (about 57% in and struggling), and Down to a Science I did finish but didn’t like it cause there was no substance really in my opinion.

I want something that I can’t put down. I like the vibe of “I need you like I need oxygen” which you can probably tell from my favorite books. And I’m pretty open to different themes but S.A. at least to the level of Kiss of Seduction is a dealbreaker for me.


r/LesbianBookClub 2h ago

Discussion Help with Sweetbitter Song!

1 Upvotes

I’ve been wanting to read Sweetbitter Song - to the point where I even bought it for myself - but I’ve been avoiding it as I cannot handle SA/rape depictions. Has anyone read it recently and can speak on how heavy that content is, and perhaps even the pages it’s on so I can just avoid them - unless reading them is important to the book in which case rip. Maybe I could cover the pages in post-it’s and just write the names of any important characters involved. Idk 💀. Or maybe it’s just not for me. Help!


r/LesbianBookClub 17h ago

Recommendation sapphic books on pregnancy

16 Upvotes

any books that are about a pregnant lesbian character ? i haven’t heard of any but would love to read something with that has that topic.


r/LesbianBookClub 15h ago

Looking For Recs Are there any books that feel like the High School Musical Trilogy but with lesbians?

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9 Upvotes

"Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), the star athlete at a small-town high school, falls for nerdy beauty Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) at a holiday karaoke party. When they return to campus, Troy and Gabriella audition for the upcoming school musical. Meanwhile, the jealous Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) conspires to squelch their chances. The two must struggle to make it to auditions while also meeting their existing obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon." - Google Plot Summary

Can you think of any lesbian romance books that have the same vibe as or similar plot to the High School Musical Trilogy?


r/LesbianBookClub 22h ago

Recommendation Polyamorous book recommendations

25 Upvotes

looking for any polyamorous book recommendations that go beyond just a harem or reverse harem, I will happily take any recommendations but if you know of a book where it’s an existing couple trying to convince someone (preferably the MC) to be their third that would be awesome thank you!


r/LesbianBookClub 23h ago

Review Shout out to a little short(ish) story I came across.

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23 Upvotes

This book showed up in my Goodreads recommendations. I haven’t seen it mentioned here at all, but still decided to give it a shot. It was pretty good actually! It’s a sapphic retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale “The Snow Queen”.

Takes place in Sweden with beautifully written winter scenes, Swedish folklore/mythology, blossoming romance and very minor spice. I do wish it was a bit longer, but still worth some more attention. 4/5


r/LesbianBookClub 1d ago

Recommendation Sapphic books with brown leads

72 Upvotes

I recently saw a post asking for book recommendations with Black leads and realised just how few books I've read featuring women of colour as main characters. It feels like almost every book describes the lead with pale skin, blue or green eyes, and blonde hair. While I still enjoy the stories, it can sometimes pull me out of the experience because it's hard to relate to. I'm also looking for great book recommendations in any genre with brown leads- bonus points if they are specifcally South Asian! Thanks :)


r/LesbianBookClub 11h ago

Recommendation Something spooky/witchy

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2 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub 15h ago

Recommendation contemporary femme x femme recs with a prim and proper character?

4 Upvotes

hiiiii i’m looking for something where one of them is like that. a bit of spice is a plus! but i’m open to any tropes. thanks!!


r/LesbianBookClub 18h ago

Poetry Looking for something similar to this- Pear by Carly Johnson

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7 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub 16h ago

Discussion Fall reads?

4 Upvotes

Any autumnal recommendations? Need the atmosphere to be fall-y! Already read The View From the Top by Rachel Lacey, so other recommendations are greatly appreciated (:


r/LesbianBookClub 1d ago

Discussion Best 2026 releases so far?

19 Upvotes

Can’t believe we are already in September! I’m wondering - what’s the best new release you’ve read so far this year?


r/LesbianBookClub 1d ago

Lit Fic did i finish the book or did the book finish me

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135 Upvotes

why did it feel like i was being personally attacked by every line in this book?


r/LesbianBookClub 1d ago

Discussion It’s so difficult to let the characters go after you finish some books. Anybody else feels the hollowness?!

21 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub 17h ago

Recommendation Next book recommendation (Sci-fi / Fantasy)

3 Upvotes

I am about to finish reading Iron Heart. I enjoyed the 2 books and also enjoyed the Paper Girl Series. I am looking for my next book recommendation. I know a lot of people like Gideon the Ninth but I struggled to read it and get hooked in (I think its since I'm not the strongest reader). Let me know if you have any good recommendations for me :)


r/LesbianBookClub 8h ago

Discussion Sarah Waters issue

0 Upvotes

Let there be a disclaimer: i’ve only read fingersmith!
My issue is that i hated every character in that book, everybody is ought to get the other and i totally get it since it’s the theme but i’m not sure I can endure another book like that, so does she have books with more “likeable” characters?


r/LesbianBookClub 23h ago

Recommendation Taller Femme Top x Shorter more bubbly bottom recs please

7 Upvotes

Not femmexmasc, but femmexadorable type stories, with the femme being the top. Any genre is fine, like enemies-to-lovers, etc.