Here are 100 books that A Game of Hearts and Heists fans have personally recommended if you like A Game of Hearts and Heists. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Plain Bad Heroines

Genevieve McCluer Author Of Cold Blood

From my list on sapphic speculative fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

It’s hard not to be passionate about sapphic spec fic when that’s entirely what I write. These books may all differ from my book in their own ways, but these authors and I all wrote fantastical stories of women who love women. These are the kind of stories I want to put out there, and it’s a space that could always use more occupying it.

Genevieve's book list on sapphic speculative fiction

Genevieve McCluer Why Genevieve loves this book

This gothic novel tells two stories a century apart, both dealing with queerness, hauntings and the way women are treated by society. The characters are flawed and human, and it’s fascinating to see how a century has changed everything.

I’d been desperate for a good lesbian ghost story then, and this hit the spot far more than I’d expected. 

By Emily M. Danforth , Sara Lautman (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Plain Bad Heroines as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Brimming from start to finish with sly humour and gothic mischief' SARAH WATERS

'Beguilingly clever, very sexy and seriously frightening' GUARDIAN

'Atmospheric, sexy, creepy...totally addictive' KATE DAVIES, author of In At The Deep End

'A gloriously over-the-top queer romp' I PAPER

_________________________________________________________________

'It's a terrible story and one way to tell it is this: two girls in love and a fog of wasps cursed the place forever after...'

BROOKHANTS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS: Infamous site of a series of tragic deaths over a hundred years ago. Soon to be the subject of a controversial horror movie about the rumoured 'Brookhants curse':…


If you love A Game of Hearts and Heists...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Harsh Reality

Genevieve McCluer Author Of Cold Blood

From my list on sapphic speculative fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

It’s hard not to be passionate about sapphic spec fic when that’s entirely what I write. These books may all differ from my book in their own ways, but these authors and I all wrote fantastical stories of women who love women. These are the kind of stories I want to put out there, and it’s a space that could always use more occupying it.

Genevieve's book list on sapphic speculative fiction

Genevieve McCluer Why Genevieve loves this book

Another Goldie finalist the same year as my book that just so happened to also be a contemporary fantasy story starring a revolver-toting woman in a cowboy hat.

This time-hopping sheriff has a fun zombie-killing adventure and an endearing romance that I hope to see more of. I couldn’t put it down, and read the whole thing while waiting to find out if either of us would win.

By Elle E. Ire ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Harsh Reality as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After demon elementals kill the good folks Sheriff Cali McCade has sworn to protect, the last place she expects to find herself is the future.

Cali McCade is happy being the only female sheriff in the West until evil destroys her town of Oblivion and everyone in it. But when a magical creature sends her forward in time, Cali gets a chance for justice-and to stop history from repeating itself.

Now, on the set of Harsh Reality, a television show that challenges average people to survive in historical settings, Cali isn't just the sheriff of Oblivion-she also plays herself on…


Book cover of Princess of Dorsa

Genevieve McCluer Author Of Cold Blood

From my list on sapphic speculative fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

It’s hard not to be passionate about sapphic spec fic when that’s entirely what I write. These books may all differ from my book in their own ways, but these authors and I all wrote fantastical stories of women who love women. These are the kind of stories I want to put out there, and it’s a space that could always use more occupying it.

Genevieve's book list on sapphic speculative fiction

Genevieve McCluer Why Genevieve loves this book

Eliza Andrews floored me with her first book in this series, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Princess Natasia starts off as one of my favorite examples of a rebellious princess and manages to grow a lot throughout the series, all while keeping her romance with her bodyguard a secret or an open secret as it develops.

By Eliza Andrews ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Princess of Dorsa as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The fate of an empire lies in the hands of one untested princess.Rebellious Princess Natasia has always known that her fate is to marry a man her father can shape into his heir. But everything changes after a would-be assassin nearly takes Tasia's life. Someone with means and connections is obviously trying to destabilize the Empire, but who? No noble family is above suspicion, so the Emperor takes the extraordinary step of naming his daughter his true heir.Tasia suddenly finds herself saddled with learning to rule an entire Empire. But there are enemies on every side, threatening to disrupt the…


If you love Ruby Roe...

Book cover of Dark Fae Outcast

Dark Fae Outcast by Autumn M. Birt,

Trapped in our world, the fae are dying from drugs, contaminants, and hopelessness. Kicked out of the dark fae court for tainting his body and magic, Riasg only wants one thing: to die a bit faster. It’s already the end of his world, after all.

But while scoring his last…

Book cover of Pirates of Aletharia

Genevieve McCluer Author Of Cold Blood

From my list on sapphic speculative fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

It’s hard not to be passionate about sapphic spec fic when that’s entirely what I write. These books may all differ from my book in their own ways, but these authors and I all wrote fantastical stories of women who love women. These are the kind of stories I want to put out there, and it’s a space that could always use more occupying it.

Genevieve's book list on sapphic speculative fiction

Genevieve McCluer Why Genevieve loves this book

A fun enemies-to-lovers story with some well-defined characters and an interesting world. Neither Emilia nor Maria trust each other a lick, and have good cause for it, but Maria wants Emilia, as crew member, lover, and possession.

I enjoyed seeing the two warring with their feelings for each other and their mutual distrust as they struggled to be willing to so much as tolerate the other. 

By Britney Jackson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pirates of Aletharia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A 2022 Goldie award-winning sapphic fantasy for people who love dangerous women, magical worlds, and lesbian pirates.

Emilia Drakon was once the youngest and kindest of the dragon sorcerers, but she’s now the last of her kind. Betrayed and angry, she trades her meekness for a sword and embarks on a quest for vengeance that will lead her straight into the arms of the legendary Captain Maria Welles.

Captain of the famed pirate ship, the Wicked Fate, Maria is every bit as treacherous and bloodthirsty as they say. She has her own vendetta and practically jumps at the chance to…


Book cover of Flavor of the Month

Clare Ashton Author Of Meeting Millie

From my list on sapphic second chance romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

I think all romance writers have their favourite trope, and second chances has the strongest hold on me. I’m a person who makes mistakes, so I love to see equally fallible humans getting their second chance at a happy ever after too. People with a history always lend depth to a story too. At any point, you can pluck a moment from their past to show an element of their relationship. And angst. I love a good dose of angst. With second chances, it's likely been a rocky road. Then the clincher for me, that sense of fate and destiny of people who’ve gone separate ways but find themselves drawn back together.

Clare's book list on sapphic second chance romances

Clare Ashton Why Clare loves this book

Equally, pick a sapphic romance trope, and Georgia Beers will likely have written one of my favourites.

She has a wonderful balance of cosy with enough tension and angst to keep you flying through the pages. She has written many, and I so admire that she’s still producing her best work. Her recent Camp Lost and Found is one of my favourites yet.

For second chances, I’ve gone with Flavor of the Month. This one has so many wonderful ingredients. Small-town setting, food focus, chemistry, angst. A romance to snuggle up with.

By Georgia Beers ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Flavor of the Month as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Charlie Stetko had a life to envy. A penthouse in Manhattan, a beautiful girlfriend, and a high-octane marketing career. Or so she thought. When her girlfriend sends her packing, Charlie ends up unemployed. Without a place to live or money of her own, she’s forced to do the one thing she vowed she never would: go back to Shaker Falls, Vermont. Back to her parents and back to the small town life―and the people―she left behind. Back to a part-time job in the new bakery in town.

  Emma Grier thought Charlie was the love of her life until that uppity…


Book cover of Stars Collide

Kay Stephens Author Of The Porn Star's Daughter

From my list on sex-positive reads you may have missed.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent nearly two decades as a highly successful corporate attorney. Or, perhaps I should say, a successful attorney with a crude mouth and a love for all things spandex. And my unabashed personality was a differentiator in my career—it allowed me to cut through the corporate nonsense and personally connect with my opposition. But my career imploded when I became the subject of overt sexual harassment in my workplace and my employer worked harder at a coverup than resolution. Rather than sell back my story through litigation, I decided to write openly about sexual empowerment in the face of systemic slut-shaming.

Kay's book list on sex-positive reads you may have missed

Kay Stephens Why Kay loves this book

I am a sucker for any and all sapphic romance but throw in two main characters that are individually powerful before they find love...and I’m done. Stars Collide got to me, folks, and not just for its portrayal of strong female leads.

This book sticks with me because of its thoughtful description of an older woman discovering her sexuality. It challenges the idea that all people are able to define their orientation early in life and allows older people to question their sexuality, despite any past romantic relationships (even, gasp, the infallible institution of marriage!). 

By Rachel Lacey ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stars Collide as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From Rachel Lacey, award-winning author of Read Between the Lines, comes a sexy slow-burn romance about two dynamic divas who collide on the world’s biggest stage.

Eden Sands has been a star for twenty years, but it’s lonely at the top. Her mediocre marriage just ended, and her inner circle is smaller than ever. The stage is the only place she’s ever felt like she truly belonged, and yet, her last album flopped, and her upcoming tour hasn’t sold out. Eden’s desperate for her star to shine bright again, but when her team suggests a collaboration with an up-and-coming young…


If you love A Game of Hearts and Heists...

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

Book cover of Beowulf for Cretins: A Love Story

Alaina Erdell Author Of Off the Menu

From my list on sapphic romances to make you swoon.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading sapphic or lesbian romances ever since I got my hands on Touchwood and Curious Wine decades ago. When not writing contemporary sapphic romances, I’m always reading them. Happily ever afters haven’t always been the case for two women in love, least of all in fiction. I write sapphic romances to provide for other women like me what I hoped to find in bookstores when I was younger. It wasn’t easy to find a romantic story between two women, let alone have choices. Representation matters, and writing–and reading–books about two women in love is important to me and women like me, especially as states ban such books.

Alaina's book list on sapphic romances to make you swoon

Alaina Erdell Why Alaina loves this book

Whether writing fiction or romance, McMan’s ability to paint a love story between two women is unparalleled. Their love materializes on the page as if watching an artist apply strokes to a painting. By the time the figures emerge from the canvas, my heart is invested. 

In Beowulf for Cretins, what appears to be an anonymous one-night stand for Grace simply isn’t when Abbie turns out to be her new boss. (Side note: look how nicely McMan is stacking up much-loved tropes here.)

This story contains elements that make my sapphic heart swoon every time, like when one character just can’t stay away from the other or when characters share the same interests. Throw in McMan’s signature humor and an entertaining pet, and swoon-worthy gets extra credit bonus points.

By Ann McMan ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Beowulf for Cretins as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Beowulf for Cretins: A Love Story was awarded the 2019 Lambda Literary Award in the Lesbian Romance category.

English professor and aspiring novelist, Grace Warner spends her days teaching four sections of "Beowulf for Cretins" to bored and disinterested students at one of New England's “hidden ivy” colleges. Not long after she is dumped by her longtime girlfriend, Grace meets the engaging and mysterious Abbie on a cross-country flight. Sparks fly on and off the plane as the two strangers give in to one night of reckless passion with no strings attached, and no contact information exchanged.

Back home at…


Book cover of Strawberry Summer

Clare Ashton Author Of Meeting Millie

From my list on sapphic second chance romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

I think all romance writers have their favourite trope, and second chances has the strongest hold on me. I’m a person who makes mistakes, so I love to see equally fallible humans getting their second chance at a happy ever after too. People with a history always lend depth to a story too. At any point, you can pluck a moment from their past to show an element of their relationship. And angst. I love a good dose of angst. With second chances, it's likely been a rocky road. Then the clincher for me, that sense of fate and destiny of people who’ve gone separate ways but find themselves drawn back together.

Clare's book list on sapphic second chance romances

Clare Ashton Why Clare loves this book

So, let’s go angsty first with a Melissa Brayden, an author who lures you in with light-hearted banter, beautiful characters and settings, then knocks you out with a punch of angst.

Small-town romance, Strawberry Summer, tracks two very different characters over several years and several chances and it’s almost painful how much you want things to work out for these two. Readers who like shouting at books for the couple to get it together, this is a good one for you. 

One of the things I love most about Melissa’s books, is the reveal that opens your eyes to another level in the story. You’ll be happily reading the romance, swept along, thinking you know where it’s all going and why, then she’ll pull back a layer and plunge you into an understanding of a character that makes sense down to your bones, and you can never think of that…

By Melissa Brayden ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Strawberry Summer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Just because you’re through with your past, doesn’t mean it’s through with you.

Margaret Beringer didn’t have an easy adolescence. She hated her name, was less than popular in school, and was always cast aside as a “farm kid.” However, with the arrival of Courtney Carrington, Margaret’s youth sparked into color. Courtney was smart, beautiful, and put together—everything Margaret wasn’t. Who would have imagined that they’d fit together so perfectly?

But first loves can scar.

Margaret hasn’t seen Courtney in years and that’s for the best. But when Courtney loses her father and returns to Tanner Peak to take control…


Book cover of Touch

Rachel Spangler Author Of Thrust

From my list on sporty sapphic romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

As the author of several sapphic sports romances, I find sports world rife with passion, complexities, and inherent conflict. I’ve had the privilege of working with several professional athletes and Olympians, and I’m always drawn to their drive. Sports, especially high-level sports, function as a pressure cooker to reveal our real personalities for better or for worse. There’s something appealing about studying people who push their minds and bodies to the brink in pursuit of something bigger than themselves. I think in some small way that connects with who as I am a writer and my own drive to always improve.

Rachel's book list on sporty sapphic romances

Rachel Spangler Why Rachel loves this book

This is a story about a personal trainer charged with helping a hockey star get back on the ice. While the focus is very much on the relationship rather than the hockey, I just adored the way Kris Bryant captures the ways an athlete puts so much of herself on the line both physically and emotionally. I love the way Kris writes this “all in” sort of character who charges after what she wants, both in and out of the arena. I think she captured the kind of personality we are all drawn to in people who have the drive to reach the pinnacle of their pursuits.

By Kris Bryant ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Touch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As the go-to therapist at Elite Therapy, Dr. Hayley Sims is the best in her field. It’s exactly why she’s just been assigned her most challenging patient yet, hockey player Elizabeth Stone. Not because Stone’s injury is complicated, but because she is intense to work with and needs someone to keep her in check. When Hayley’s personal life starts unraveling and she realizes she might be developing feelings for her patient, she’s torn between finishing her assignment and walking away to protect herself. Can Hayley get Stone back on the ice in one piece while keeping her heart from breaking?


If you love Ruby Roe...

Book cover of Karl's War

Karl's War by Neil Spark,

Karl's War is a coming-of-age-meets-thriller set in Germany on the eve of Hitler coming to power. Karl – a reluctant poster boy for the Nazis – meets Jewish Ben and his world is up-turned.

Ben and his family flee to France. Karl joins the German army but deserts and finds…

Book cover of Curious Wine

A. L. Brooks Author Of Dare to Love

From my list on coming out later in life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I knew in my early teens that I wasn’t straight, but back then, the thought of coming out was too scary. I waited until I was twenty-three to do so, and it was still scary even being ten years older! So I can relate to stories of women of all ages discovering their less-than-straight sexuality. It’s rarely easy, no matter how many years you’ve lived already. It still requires good support from the people who love you, and one thing in common in all of the books I’ve recommended is that family, or often found family, plays a crucial role in the newly-out woman feeling comfortable being themselves.

A. L.'s book list on coming out later in life

A. L. Brooks Why A. L. loves this book

The first sapphic book I ever read, over 30 years ago, still holds a special place in my heart. The two women stumble into their attraction for each other in a way that is believable and tender, and they take a journey together that is still relevant to our times. While one woman, Lane, had previously thought a same-sex relationship could be a real possibility for her, the other, Diana, had literally no idea until she meets Lane and is swept off her feet by her feelings. Simply a lovely story that I’ve re-read many times.

By Katherine V. Forrest ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Curious Wine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The intimacy of a cabin at Lake Tahoe provides the combustible circumstances that bring Diana Holland and Lane Christianson together in this passionate novel of first discovery.

Candid in its eroticism, intensely romantic, remarkably beautiful, CURIOUS WINE is a love story that will remain in your memory.


Book cover of Plain Bad Heroines
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