r/LesbianBookClub • • Nov 22 '25

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

47 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.

1.5k 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 • • 7h ago

Discussion For those who recommended Truth and Measure... THANK YOU (I am losing my mind)

52 Upvotes

The building tension between Vivian and Jules is just perfect. Like, how can two people practically be fucking without actually fucking yet?! The (super) slow burn is worth it!!

​I’m jumping straight into Above All Things the second I finish this.


r/LesbianBookClub • • 10h ago

Discussion Enjoying this one so far! 99 pages to go!

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40 Upvotes

Liked the author’s other book as well (Blood on her Tongue)


r/LesbianBookClub • • 5h ago

Discussion Australian Sapphic Authors

13 Upvotes

Which publisher has the biggest choice of Australian authors? I know and buy most my e-books either directly from the authors, or from Ylva publishing. Any others you can recommend? Thank you.


r/LesbianBookClub • • 13h ago

Discussion Gideon the Ninth ending Spoiler

25 Upvotes

So i finished the book today and I just want to make sure I understood correctly.

Is Gideon...gone? I know in the epilogue it says that Harrow has become a lictor (I'm not sure if that's the right spelling as I've listened to the audiobook), but after reading the prologue of the second book, there was a mention of Harrow being only half of a lictor. The epilogue of Gideon the Ninth also mentioned they hadn't found Gideon's body, so I'm assuming that will be explained in the second book.

I just have to know - is Gideon dead? Is her energy inside Harrow but whatever made her, her, is gone? Is it something completely different??

I want to keep spoilers to a minimum, but if she is gone, i would like to know. I'll miss her 😭 if she is in the second book, I also want to know, but no other spoilers apart from that, please!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 10h ago

Discussion Struggling Authors: I'm UPSET!!

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11 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Discussion Reading This Is How You Lose The Time War

102 Upvotes

Currently finished chapter 6 I am absolutely loving it!!!

I love love LOVE the writing, how descriptive it is. Every sentence feels like a juicy berry popping between my teeth.

I'm not entirely sure of the things happening at all times, like I get that the Agency and the Garden are at war but I'm having a bit of a hard time comprehending the finer details and descriptions of some things.

Also the dynamic between Red and Blue is just chef's kiss. I love watching their letters shift from taunts and goading into genuine curiosity about one another.

Some of my favorite moments are the way they address eachother, 'My perfect Red', 'My Dear Mood Indigo'. And the line 'She’s kept her gloves clean, for the most part, but now she stains them red as a name.' killed me a bit. And 'dear Cochineal' ughhh.

Can't wait to see how this goes!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 11h ago

Recommendation Need Recommend

7 Upvotes

Hi, can anyone recommend vampire books set in a school? I’ve already finished The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee and really liked it. I also enjoy action-packed books set in schools or boarding schools.


r/LesbianBookClub • • 7h ago

Discussion Short masc sub + tall femme domme book recs?

3 Upvotes

Basically what the title says. I'm looking for any wlw books or AO3 fics with a short masc sub and a tall femme domme.

I really liked For The Price (Love In Vancouver) and the Kingdom of Immortal Lovers series, so I'm looking for more stuff like that. If you've read anything similar, please let me know! Thanks!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 10h ago

Review Finally out of my book slump! Lily X was the answer :D

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5 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub • • 22h ago

Discussion New Haley Cass novel

43 Upvotes

How am I supposed to wait until February for the new Haley Cass novel? Arrgghh!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 23h ago

Recommendation Hot Butch love interest with depth

14 Upvotes

I'm really craving a romance with a hot, slightly cocky but in a funny endearing way butch woman.

I really love Sarah Waters books, I want to really connect with the character rather than just a superficial romance book. I also loved Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

Looking for something more contemporary. I have Atmosphere next to read, and One Stop and Delilah Green Doesn't Care on my list.

But are there any books you've read where the butch love interest just makes you go 'omg, wow'?

Thanks!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Recommendation In need of small town sapphic romance recs

35 Upvotes

Hey fam been reading some good small town sapphic romances and I need more recommendations. I’m already working my way through the Clover Lake series and am about halfway to a 3rd of the way through the Sapphire Springs series. I also read The Right Kind of Wrong recently. If anyone has any other recommendations I’m always greatful to hear them.

Happy Reading yall!!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 20h ago

Recommendation Atlanta-Based Romantasy Recommendations

4 Upvotes

I'm wondering if anyone has sapphic romantasy recommendations for stories based in or somewhat involving Atlanta? I like cozy romance but am open to other genres if you highly recommend something.

TYIA!!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Recommendation So this might be too niche, but I'd love recs for sapphic-led thrillers/murder mysteries, but with a special emphasis on being beautifully written (and a fall setting would be nice but not a deal breaker)

15 Upvotes

I've read a few pretty good ones lately, but I'd love recommendations that are particularly artistically written.

In the age of AI, I feel like it's more important than ever to read and appreciate art ❤️


r/LesbianBookClub • • 11h ago

📣 Promotion 📣 Romance/Drama/LGBT/Dark comedy/Crime

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0 Upvotes

r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Recommendation Sunburn's vibe

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51 Upvotes

I read sunburn last year and since that I've been looking for a similar book. I didn't find a book with a similar level of introspection, yearning and poetry. I already read the safekeep and fingersmith.

I'm currently reading a dark romance, but i wanted something like sunburn. Someone please save me 😭🙏


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Historical fiction fingersmith sarah waters

4 Upvotes

31f usa
i just started my first sarah waters book (fingersmith), would anyone like to read it w me?
i’m also going to pick up tipping the velvet soon


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Discussion Royals/ Aristocracy

11 Upvotes

I finished The Priory Of The Orange tree and now I’d like to read more fantasy starring a Queen or a princess. Does anyone know a good one like this?

P. S: I would strongly prefer if none of the MCs is engaged to a man, like at all.

P.S 2. Focus on fantasy! But I accept other recs too.


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Discussion Those Who Wait Extended Universe and The Whole Truth Spoiler

17 Upvotes

So, I just finished The Whole Truth, and loved it very much. There are a couple of Easter Eggs/nods towards the Those Who Wait series, such as referencing one of the characters reading a book by Katherine Spencer and reference to the Thompson Foundation, but I was struck by another one that maybe isn't as explicit but seems likely(?). Near the end of the book, one of the characters is reading a woman's memoir, and it's about how that woman's life was set in stone and she was on the path she always wanted, but then went in a different direction than what she had always planned, and how she dealt with it. I feel like that is, perhaps, maybe, the biography Sutton wrote about Charlotte in Midnight Rain? Which would perhaps mean that The Whole Truth is set in that latter timeline?. Which I would honestly love, because I like those versions of the characters and their story more. I know, I know, reading way too much into a throw away line that means nothing. Sigh.


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Nonfiction history I need a history lesson.

23 Upvotes

I feel super uneducated about lesbian history.
I would love to know more about literally anything from any point in history.

***
The only thing is I NEED it to be an audiobook.
***

My dyslexia puts a hard stop on traditional reading.
——-

I recently read these non fiction books… they are not lesbian specific but they are super LGBTQ+ friendly and I felt like they have pertinent information.

Eve by Cat Bohannon - How the Female Body Drove 200
Million Years of Human Evolution

Wordslut by Amanda Montell- A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language

The authors read their own work and you can tell how much they love the subject while they are reading it to you… I would love anything that has that kind of feel.
——

I have been reading so much sapphic smut that I am putting my TBR in horny jail for a bit.

Thank you so much fellow readers.


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Discussion Consumed Weekendlustt Spoiler

3 Upvotes

I loved the book although I’m quite sad that it ended so abruptly and it didn’t have a HEA like I thought it would, genuinely feel depressed now because of it ngl


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Recommendation butchfemme/masc x fem christmas reads?

5 Upvotes

hey guys,

i love to read a couple of cozy, corny christmas novels every year to bundle up and get into the holiday spirit :') i‘d love to get some recs from you, especially for a butchfemme dynamic!!


r/LesbianBookClub • • 1d ago

Recommendation Looking for sapphic romance with themes of crime and family power struggles

10 Upvotes

I started writing a story in my spare time a while back, and as someone with no formal writing background who had never even read a romance novel before starting this project, im having a lot of fun learning the craft.

I’ve started reading more intentionally, treating books as study material for things like sentence structure, pacing, and plot construction. The problem is that I’m having a hard time finding books that are relevant to what I’m trying to write.
For context, here’s the general premise of my story:

The two main characters are childhood friends from wealthy families who eventually fall in love as teenagers. Their relationship ends in a brutal breakup, leaving them with years of resentment and unresolved feelings.

Over a decade later, they cross paths again under suspicious circumstances. One of them becomes entangled in a dangerous debt that leaves her isolated and the center of attention in the world of the other woman’s family: a powerful criminal dynasty with deep ties to politics and corruption.

As they become caught up in a sea of criminal alliances, internal power struggles, and battle over succession, the two women must figure out whether they can trust each other again while plotting to bring the entire empire down.

I’m primarily looking for sapphic fiction with a criminal undercurrent, ideally with some combination of complicated romance, morally gray characters, and stories that are more plot driven. That said, I’m absolutely open to non-sapphic books if they do something particularly well in those areas.

Here’s what I’ve read so far and how it’s helped me:

Books that helped:
The Counterpart by Ruby Landers - This was probably the closest to what I was looking for. I loved it and found it especially useful as a reference for the kind of story I want to write.

Only Hope - I enjoyed the writing and was able to learn from the descriptions and slow-burn romance. However, it felt more character-driven than plot-driven, so it wasn’t as helpful for studying the kind of intricate plotting I’m aiming for.

Wiseguy and The Godfather - Neither is an exact match for my story, but both gave me a lot of insight into criminal organizations. Mine is not mafia themed, but there were plenty of parallels I could draw inspiration from.

Books that didn’t help as much for my purposes:

The Price of Salt (Carol) - I actually really enjoyed this one, but the style felt too dated for modern writing.

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care - The writing itself was fine, but I found the characters and plot frustrating.

I’d also appreciate any advice on how to sift through the sea of AI slop. As someone which no writing experience, and didn’t even read romance until now, I feel like I might not have the necessary skills to distinguish between good and bad writing sometimes, and I’d hate to spend so much time studying, only to be taking reference from AI work and end up writing like an AI.

I’m doing this purely because I enjoy the learning process. I’d love to create something traditionally, entirely human-written, and I’m not particularly concerned about whether it sells. I just want to keep improving and learn from authors who do these things well.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!