This is Victoria’s Top 15 Books of 2019 are brought to you by The Lesbian Review. Please note that links in this list are affiliate and therefore we get a small commission when you use one of our links to buy. Please do use them because it helps us keep the site going.

2019 was something else. With all the political and social upheaval here and abroad, as well as the climate change crisis, the books I read this year kept me sane. More than that, they lifted my spirits and kept me hopeful. Romance was the big draw for me this year. I’m so grateful to all the authors who gave me a soft place to land at the end of a long day. There were some days where turning off the news and getting lost in a love story was the best salve for the chaos going on around me. These are the books I needed this year. The ever-gracious, Sheena allowed me to up my list to 15 books because I became attached to so many stories. Believe me, this could’ve been an inventory of 50 books.

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1. Thorn by Anna Burke

Thorn by Anna BurkePublished by Bywater Books

Audiobook narrated by Annette Romano

Check out my full review here. 

This book is a fantasy romance

What it’s about

On a cold day deep in the heart of winter, Rowan’s father returns from an ill-fated hunting trip bearing a single, white rose. The rose is followed by the Huntress, a figure out of legend. Tall, cruel, and achingly beautiful, she brings Rowan back with her to a mountain fastness populated solely by the creatures of the hunt. Rowan, who once scorned the villagers for their superstitions, now finds herself at the heart of a curse with roots as deep as the mountains, ruled by an old magic that is as insidious as the touch of the winter rose. Torn between her family loyalties, her guilty relief at escaping her betrothal to the charming but arrogant Avery Lockland, and her complicated feelings for the Huntress, Rowan must find a way to break the curse before it destroys everything she loves. There is only one problem—if she can find a way to lift the curse, she will have to return to the life she left behind. And the only thing more unbearable than endless winter is facing a lifetime of springs without the Huntress.

Why I love it

Burke’s writing is so strong. She brings the world of this book to life with her lush prose. I love how she took the Beauty and the Beast fairytale and turned it into a feminist work about women’s strength and agency. This isn’t a light and fluffy romance. It’s a powerful love story about two women forging an unlikely union. The Huntress is an amazingly nuanced character and Burke did an outstanding job making her relatable. I love everything about this book.

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2. The Road to Madison by Elle Spencer

The Road to Madison by Elle SpencerPublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Lori Prince

Check out our full review here

This book is a second chance romance

What it’s about

As the sole heir to her family’s banking empire, a lot is expected of Madison Prescott. Falling in love with her childhood friend Ana Perez was not in the cards. As Madison’s father puts it, “A gay daughter? Married to the maid’s daughter? Running my company? Over my dead body.”

By the time George Prescott dies, it’s been 15 years since Madison and Ana were ripped apart by his lies. They haven’t spoken since, but Madison has spent every minute waiting for this day to come. Unfortunately, it turns out time doesn’t heal all wounds. Why was Madison willing to give up everything in the face of her father’s threats, and why can she never tell Ana the truth about what really separated them?

Caught between a present they can’t trust and a past they can’t forget, Madison and Ana must decide if this is their second chance, or their final heartbreak.

Why I love it

This book is epic. Talk about angst, this book is dripping in it. Spencer provides a story that spans almost three decades so it is rich in character development. We get to see Madison and Ana when they are children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults so I feel like I know what made them tick. The book opens with the most powerful and cathartic scene I’ve ever read, and the rest of the novel lives up to the intense beginning. Plus, Madison’s father is one hell of a great villain. All I need now is the Netflix version.

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3. The Song of the Sea by Jenn Alexander

The Song of the Sea by Jenn AlexanderPublished by Bywater Books

Audiobook Available No

Check out the full review here

This book is a friends to lovers romance

What it’s about

The ocean has always been a place of freedom for Lisa Whelan, and after her newborn son passes away, she returns to her family home by the sea to seek freedom from her grief. She’s not expecting to meet anyone and is caught off guard by the attraction she feels for Rachel, the part-owner of a local restaurant. That initial spark is dampened, however, when Lisa realizes that Rachel has a child.

Rachel Murray has worked hard to build a life for herself and her son but raising Declan has not been without its challenges. Each day when Rachel picks him up from school, she says a silent prayer that he will be waiting for her in his classroom, and not in the principal’s office. Again. Her son’s behavior has grown increasingly disruptive, and Rachel is at a loss at how to help him.

Despite her grief, Lisa finds herself drawn to both Rachel and Declan. She thinks she can keep her emotions at bay— keep from drowning in grief and keep from falling in love—but she finds both to be a tidal wave, washing over her, sweeping her off her feet. Lisa never intended on falling in love with anyone, and she certainly cannot allow herself to fall for someone whose son is a constant reminder of the child she lost. Or can she?

Why I love it

I’m a huge fan of angst and this book has it in spades. Alexander takes on the topic of grief and how healing doesn’t adhere to a set timetable. Lisa’s struggle to come to terms with the death of her son is heart wrenching, yet compelling at the same time. I love books that feature single mothers, and Rachel’s son Declan plays a pivotal role in Lisa’s journey. I had to keep a box of tissues handy while I was reading, but this book left me feeling truly content in the end.

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4. Double Six by Brenda Murphy

Double Six by Brenda MurphyPublished by NineStar Press

Audiobook Available No

Check out my full review here

This book is a BDSM erotic romance

What it’s about

Elaine MacLeod, the most feared and revered Mistress of Rowan House, is frustrated. Overworked, still hurt and angry over the departure of her long-term lover, she refuses to admit Rowan House needs another Mistress to accommodate their guests. Unconvinced anyone will be able to meet her high standards, Elaine grudgingly agrees to audition the sole applicant, Petra Grendhal.

Robin Broadacre would do anything for the woman who rescued her from certain death at the hands of her previous employers. When she volunteers to assist Petra with her audition, Elaine is forced to reckon with her desire for Robin. Drawn to Petra’s fiery strength and icy demeanor as well Robin’s devotion, Elaine finds herself torn between her passion for both women. When Petra disappears on a trip to Oslo, Elaine and Robin’s search leads them to menaces from Robin’s past and a fight for their lives.

Why I love it

There is so much to love about this book. I’m a big fan of well written BDSM erotica and this book is an exceptional addition to that subgenre. Murphy knows her way around a dungeon, but that’s not even the best part of this story. The character development is fantastic, and the exploration of power exchange is enthralling. I’ll be rereading this book on a regular basis because Elaine, Robin, and Petra face emotional struggles that are universal.

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5. The Inn at Netherfield Green by Aurora Rey

The Inn At Netherfield Green by Aurora ReyPublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Keira Grace

Check out our full review here

This book is an opposites attract romance set in a small town

What it’s about

New York advertising executive Lauren Montgomery loses her job, inherits an inn, and moves to England—all in the span of a week. It’s not how her career, or her life, is supposed to unfold. But necessity is the mother of invention and Lauren has a new plan. She’s going to spruce up the inn, turn the attached pub into a hot spot, sell it for a killing, and start her own advertising agency.

Gin distiller Camden Crawley has a soft spot for the Rose & Crown, the pub where her parents and grandparents got engaged. But the opinionated new owner who wants to turn it into some trendy bed and bar? Not so much. The last thing she wants to do is stick her nose in, but that might be her best chance to save a place she holds dear. And boosting her new line of gin wouldn’t hurt either.

It’s one thing to give in on the cocktail menu. But the very inconvenient, very mutual, attraction? That’s another matter entirely.

Why I love it

I adore everything about this book. Both Lauren and Cam are irresistible and there’s no doubt they belong together. They are a perfect butch/femme couple, and their chemistry sizzles off the page. I read the book then listened to the audiobook, and now I’m ready for a reread. Rey creates a world that left me wanting to pull up stakes and move to England to open my own inn. She also provides some very, very steamy sex scenes. Victoria likes.

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6. 30 Dates in 30 Days by Elle Spencer

Published by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Lori Prince

Check out our full review here

This book is a friends to lovers romance

What it’s about

Veronica Welch has made it. She’s about to be named a partner at one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City. She’s on top of the world, except for one tiny ridiculous thing: she promised herself she’d be married by thirty-five. After a drink too many, she accidentally lets her “life plan” slip to Bea, her steadfast, ever meddling assistant, and now Bea won’t let the idea go.

Rachel Monaghan doesn’t do serious relationships. As a busy wedding photographer, she’s jaded about lasting love, has a thriving repeat business, and hasn’t had much luck with love herself. While bartending at her cousin’s bar, Rachel learns of Bea’s plan to get her boss married off by scheduling thirty dates in thirty days.

In this sophisticated contemporary romance, Veronica Welch tries to find love in the most efficient way possible, while Rachel Monaghan avoids love at all costs. What could possibly go wrong?

Why I love it

Another book by Elle Spencer impacted my 2019. I love an angsty romance, but Spencer adds a heaping dose of humor to this story. The plot provides scenes that had me chuckling out loud because the situations and dialogue are so funny. There are some plot twists I saw coming, but just as many that I didn’t expect. The book has a memorable cast of side characters which really brings this world to life. Oh, and Veronica in power suits – enough said.

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7. Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa Brayden

Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa BraydenPublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Melissa Sternenberg

Check out our full review here

This book is a friends to lovers romance set in a small town

What it’s about

Who says you can’t go home again?

Philadelphia real estate broker Devyn Winters is at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it. She’s pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer’s Bay, where the most exciting thing to happen was the twice a year bake sale. Unfortunately, a distress call hauls her back home and away from the life she’s constructed. Now the question is just how long until she can leave again? And when did boring Elizabeth Draper get so beautiful?

Elizabeth Draper loves people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight. In the quaint town of Dreamer’s Bay, she’s the only employee of On the Spot, an odd jobs company. She remembers Devyn Winters as shallow in high school, but now everything about Devyn makes her lose focus. Though her brain knows Devyn is only home temporarily, her heart didn’t seem to get the memo.

Why I love it

I’m fond of small-town romances and Brayden does a great job creating Dreamer’s Bay. It’s an idyllic place to grow up and live, and I might start telling people that’s where I’m from. This is another book with artful character development. Devyn’s character arc is the showier of the two main characters, and it’s done ever so subtly – a great example of showing not telling. Elizabeth’s character is refreshing because she is such a genuine soul with absolutely no agenda. And holy cow, there’s no shortage of steamy bits in this story.

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8. The Roommate Arrangement by Jae

The Roommate Arrangement by JaePublished by Ylva Publishing

Audiobook Available No

Check out our full review here

This book is an enemies to friends/friends to lovers romance

What it’s about

Comedian Stephanie Renshaw hopes to finally get her big break in LA. A chance encounter lands her the perfect apartment close to the comedy clubs, but it comes with a catch: she needs a roommate to afford the rent.

Enter Rae Coleman, a former police officer working the door at one of the top comedy clubs. After getting injured in the line of duty and losing her job with the LAPD, Rae guards her wounded soul behind a tough exterior.

At first, the two clash horribly before a tentative friendship develops. Bit by bit, Steph manages to break through the walls Rae has built around her.

But Steph has never been in a relationship, preferring casual flings, and Rae isn’t sure she’s ready to be happy again. Will they find the courage to open themselves up to love?

Falling in love is not a laughing matter in this opposites-attract lesbian romance with a bit of a fake relationship thrown in.

Why I love it

I’m an LA girl so reading a romance set in Los Angeles was a lot of fun. I became particularly attached to Rae over the course of this story because she’s such a complex character. I’m often drawn to characters with a physical disability when the author respectfully shows how the disability affects all aspects of their lives, especially their emotional lives. Jae’s character development in this book is as good as it gets, and Rae and Stephanie are one of my favorite lesfic couples.

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9. Wooing the Farmer by Jenny Frame

Wooing The Farmer by Jenny FramePublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Nicola Victoria Vincent

Check out our full review here

This book is an opposites attract romance set in a small town

What it’s about

Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart, highly successful clean-eating food vlogger and owner of the website Penny’s Kitchen, is looking for a new direction for her brand. At least that’s what she tells herself when she retreats to Axedale to record a new web series and write a cookbook. That sounds so much better than damage control after her only live, on-screen interview ends in an oh-so-public epileptic seizure.

Farmer Sam McQuade is immediately attracted to Penelope, but the ultra femme and high maintenance city girl seems way out of her league. When Penelope struggles to get her health on track, Quade insists on being her knight in shining armor, much to Penelope’s displeasure. Quade is annoyingly good-looking, not to mention kindhearted, and falling for her would be so easy. If only it didn’t force Penelope to face the secrets she’s hidden from everyone. Can love alone bring a complex city girl and a simple rural farmer together?

Why I love it

Oh, my goodness. You can’t get a better example of opposites attract than Penelope and Quade. In her perfectly coordinated outfits and her little dog at her side, Penelope is an ultra femme who’s perfectly out of place in the English countryside. Quade is an equally appealing farmer who looks heaven sent in her tool belt and work gloves. Look up “butch” in the dictionary and it will say, “See Sam McQuade.” They’re such an unlikely pair, but Quade’s chivalrous nature soon wins Penelope’s heart. Frame does a great job bringing the village of Axedale to life. I felt like I was in the middle of a fairytale I didn’t want to leave.

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10. A Taste of Love by Clare Lydon

A Taste of Love by Clare LydonPublished by Custard Books

Audiobook Available No

Check out my full review here

This book is a friends to lovers romance

What it’s about

Single since forever, Natalie Hill has all but given up on love. She’s convinced herself and everyone else she wants a quiet life. But if a tall, dark and gorgeous stranger turned up on her doorstep, her plans might change…

Enter Ellie Knap, who’s jump-starting her life in the Cotswolds after bailing on her relationship and her career. Her plan? To open an ice cream shop and melt into the village.

When the two meet it’s far from love at first sight, but then slowly, they become friends. Then one night, on a moonlit bridge, everything changes… But can Ellie pack up her old life in time to embrace the new? And can Natalie hold on tight when her quiet life suddenly gets deafeningly loud?

Why I love it

Everything from Clare Lydon puts a smile on my face and makes me believe in true love. This book is no exception. It has just about everything I want in a romance wrapped up in one lovely story. Set in a charming English village – check. Relatable 40+ main characters – check. Witty dialogue – check. Engaging plot – check. Memorable side characters – check. The best first kiss ever – check. This is truly a feel-good romance and it should be in everyone’s e-reader for a low-key evening at home. The sexy bits deserve a special mention of their very own.

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11. Reinventing Lindsey by Maggie Brown

Reinventing Lindsey by Maggie BrownPublished by Bella Books

Audiobook Available No

Check out the review here

This book is an opposites attracts romance

What it’s about

Studying the past hasn’t prepared Daisy Parker—anthropologist-turned-matchmaker—for her latest client. Finding Lindsey Jamieson-Ford a life partner isn’t exactly a simple exercise. Not only hasn’t Lindsey dated for years, the prickly reclusive scientist relates better with her robots than with people.

Lindsey has no idea what matchmaking involves when she hires Daisy. She’s never met anyone quite like the bubbly matchmaker and doesn’t know how she’s going to survive the infuriating woman. Now her life has lurched onto a roller coaster that just won’t damn well stop.

Guiding Lindsey through the courtship process is a challenge. Before the reticent scientist can move forward, Daisy has to teach her to leave the past behind. But another problem soon enters into the mix…How can Daisy stay detached when her body seems to be answering Lindsey’s mating call?

Why I love it

If you’re familiar with my reviews, you know that I adore brilliant women who excel at what they do. It takes more than a pretty face to steal my heart. Lindsey is a robotics genius, and Daisy is just as exceptional as a matchmaker informed by her background in social anthropology. I love a main character who is clueless about how attractive she is and how inept she is when it comes to courting women. That’s Lindsey in all her sweet awkwardness. This book is a modern-day Pygmalion and simply put, it made me fall in love with falling in love, all over again.

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12. Spinning Tales by Brey Willows

Spinning Tales by Brey WillowsPublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Available No

Check out our full review here

This book is a fantasy with a strong romantic subplot

What it’s about

Maggie McShay wants a little magic in her life. Something more than the drab existence of going to work and coming home to a cat that barely tolerates her.

When she spontaneously replies to a want ad asking for someone to take care of a fairy tale cottage, it turns out magic wasn’t as far away as she thought. Maggie discovers she wasn’t who she thought she was either. Recalcitrant fairy tale shepherd and ladies’ woman Kody Wilk shows Maggie a world she knew nothing about…a world they need to save before the villains of the world’s fairy tales take over New York City.

It’s up to Maggie, her grumpy, shape-shifting cat, a dwarf hell-bent on finding romance, and Kody to set the fairy tale world to rights. The big bad wolf has nothing on Maggie McShay.

Why I love it

This book is pure magic. Maggie has a wonderful character arc. She goes from a woman aimlessly living a life that she feels disconnected from to a genuine hero. She’s a true badass who takes care of business and basically saves the world. The fantasy realm Willows creates is rich with surprising side characters and wonderous territories populated with recognizable characters from popular fairytales. Then there is Kody, the tall, dark, and brooding shepherd sent to protect Maggie. (Insert low wolf whistle here.) These two women share a smoldering chemistry that is just – wow.

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[tweetthis]Check it out Spinning Tales by Brey Willows made this top 15 list[/tweetthis]


13. Listen by Kris Bryant

Listen by Kris BryantPublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Brittni Pope 

Check out our full review here

This book is a friends to lovers romance

What it’s about

Former child music prodigy Lily Croft spends most days in her home office crunching numbers and analyzing data as an actuary. Once she filled concert halls across the world, until the pressure got to be too much and forced her retreat. When her boss hands her a temporary assignment, Lily has to leave the safety of working from home to work with people at an office. She keeps her head down and stays focused, but one night on her way to the train station, she hears music wafting from The Leading Note and the life and feelings she suppressed for over a decade bubble up to the surface.

Lily is inexplicably drawn to Hope D’Marco, Leading Note’s gorgeous and brilliant founder. But falling for Hope and re-exploring her passion for music force Lily to face her past. Will she go back into hiding, or have the courage to confront the consequences of her past and present colliding?

Why I love it

Lily is a character I can personally relate to. Bryant’s exploration of Lily’s anxiety disorder made me feel seen. It’s honest and powerful without being exploitive. This is a book I can see myself rereading because Bryant does an amazing job making Lily an extremely nuanced character. And boy howdy, Bryant peppers the story with some off the chart sex scenes.

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14. Fear of Falling by Georgia Beers

Fear of Falling by Georgia BeersPublished by Bold Strokes Books

Audiobook Narrated by Lori Prince

Check out our full review here

This book is a celebrity, workplace, age gap romance

What it’s about

Since she was fourteen, singer Sophie James has been an international superstar. With her career (and life) directed by her manager, Ray, she hasn’t had to worry about a thing for more than a decade…not where she goes, not what she sings, not who she is. But when Ray has a heart attack, Sophie is left without the only real father figure she’s ever known and questioning everything she believes about what’s important to her.

Enter Dana Landon, the new manager sent by Sophie’s record company. Dana is gorgeous, sophisticated, and ready to do her job keeping Sophie’s career on track and making the record company money. Dana captures Sophie’s attention in ways Sophie never expected and isn’t ready for, but after so many years of being told what to do, Sophie’s ready to shake things up with some ideas of her own. Ones Dana hasn’t been planning on and isn’t at all sure she likes.

Why I love it

I’m a big fan of celebrity romances and I found it so refreshing to read one where the famous main character doesn’t start out as a complete diva. This is a rather angst free romance which normally isn’t my thing, but this story and these characters are just so easy to get wrapped up in. Sophie and Dana just feel right together despite their age difference. I was very moved by Sophie’s innocence and watching her come into her own was the highlight of this story for me.

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15. Forget It by Claire Highton-Stevenson

Forget It by Claire Highton-StevensonPublished by Indie Author

Audiobook Narrated by Kim Bretton 

Check out our full review here

This book is a friends to lovers romance

What it’s about

Brooke Chambers is forced to leave the army and the job that she loves. Moving back into civilian life, she never imagined it would mean looking after her teenage sister and searching for a new career. But, with the sudden loss of their dad, Brooke finds herself stepping up, and in the process, looking for a new job – any job. Getting the chance to let off some steam, she heads to Art, a lesbian bar, and meets Catherine. It’s lust at first sight as both women feel that instant connection, despite the obvious age gap. With Brooke’s new job being the same place where Catherine works, she assumes it was meant to be. Catherine, however, has other ideas and puts a halt to any prospective love affair, much to Brooke’s confusion and heartbreak. When she tells Brooke to forget it, she didn’t quite mean it so literally and wishes she hadn’t said it, but Brooke is injured on the job and loses her memory…and forgets Catherine…. Will they get a second chance to work things out?

Why I love it

This story has the most interesting plot twist early on in the book, and I didn’t see it coming. (That happens when you don’t read the blurb!) Both Brooke and Catherine are fantastic characters. There’s a lot of heat rolling off the pages the first time these women meet. Catherine is a fun ice queen and watching her figure out just what to do about Brooke was so enjoyable. I got swept up in this story immediately and I think I read it in one sitting.

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Bonus Pick: Sandman by Tammy Bird

Sandman by Tammy BirdPublished by Flashpoint Publications

Audiobook Available No

Check out our full review here

This book is a psychological thriller

Sandman was published in mid-December of 2018 so technically it’s not a 2019 contender. It wasn’t reviewed until 2019. If Sandman had been released earlier in the year it would have been high up on my 2018 Top Ten List. It’s that good.

What it’s about

Katia Billings, EMT with the Emergency Medical Services of Buxton Beach, NC, is one of the first to respond after a hurricane rips through the small island community. As she helps search for survivors, she and her fellow responders discover a secret that will haunt Katia the rest of her life.

Lurking beneath the sand dunes is an evil that no one suspected.

A sandy grave not connected to the storm leads investigators to uncover the tomb of a serial killer, literally beneath their feet, hidden for years from the residents of the tight community.

For Katia, it’s personal because she knows one of the killer’s victims. She enlists help from K-9 search expert Paige, and Katia’s on-and-off lover, Zahra, in her determination to find the killer, dubbed Sandman, and stop him from killing again.

What small-town secrets will they unearth in their pursuit of the truth? Will the three women survive the physical, emotional, and psychological attack being waged against their small slice of sand? Or will they become the next victims of Sandman?

Why I love it

This thriller is chilling. There’s nothing quite like a terrifying serial killer to keep me turning the pages long into the night. Bird sets the main character on quite a journey, and she never thinks twice about seeing it through. The pacing is brilliant, the plot kept me guessing, and there were plenty of times I found myself gasping out loud. Sandman packs a punch, and I loved every shocking moment.

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[tweetthis]Check it out Sandman by Tammy Bird made this top 15 list[/tweetthis]