New to sapphic YA romances? Not sure where to begin? This is a curated list for readers who want sweet, low-angst love stories with clean romance – perfect for easing into the genre
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
Maya never expected to see her ex-boyfriend again until she got a call, calling her to a reality TV show designed for drama, filled with all the other exes her ex-boyfriend had been with. There, she meets Skye. Together, they discover his two-timing ways and plot their revenge.
Why it’s beginner-friendly: A lighthearted revenge plot with low angst and a behind-the-scenes romance that’s fun without being heavy.
She gets the girl by Rachael Lippincott
Alex Blackwood can charm any girl, but struggles to keep them interested. Molly Parker has her life together, except when it comes to her crush. When Alex agrees to help Molly win over her crush (proving to her ex that she’s not just a helpless flirt), both girls discover what they’ve been looking for has been right in front of them all along.
Why it’s beginner-friendly: Light, fun rom-com vibes with genuine character growth and a fake-dating-adjacent setup that’s easy to follow.
Hani And Ishu’s Guide To Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Hani, a popular girl, faces betrayal from her two best friends when they invalidate her bisexuality. In retaliation, she proudly claims to be dating Ishu, the academic girl who is hated by Hani’s friends.
Hani approaches Ishu with the fake dating proposal. Ishu agrees, but only if Hani helps her become popular enough to win head girl.
Why it’s beginner-friendly: It is a light read with minimal hiccups from the main characters
Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
Amber McCloud dreams of becoming a cheer captain. Jack Walsh? She’s the new quarterback, breaking barriers on an all-boys team. When Jack faces setbacks in assimilating with her new team, Amber takes it upon herself to help Jack get in the groove with the team, but in the process, they fall in love.
Why it’s beginner-friendly: An easy, heartwarming read with Heartstopper-level sweetness.
Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar
What happens when two rivals discover they’ve been played by the same guy? Meet Meghna Rahman, constantly compared to her ex-best friend turned rival, Rani Choudhury. Then there’s Rani, tired of feeling powerless in her own life. When both girls discover that Zak has been two-timing them, they put their differences aside and team up for revenge.
Why it’s beginner-friendly: Fast-paced enemies-to-lovers with satisfying revenge schemes and minimal angst.
Happy reading! I’d love to hear which one you pick up first and what you think.
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