F*ck Subtext. We Want the Real Thing.

The other night, I was fantasy-casting characters for my next sapphic romance book (one of the most delicious early-draft distractions). I had a particular actress in mind and I said to my wife, “Let’s rewatch that film she’s in.” (Sorry, no spoilers. 😊)

“You mean the one with the lesbian subtext?” my Mrs asked.

To which I replied: “F*ck subtext. I want the real thing.”

Because, at this point in time, why should we settle for anything less?

Why the Real Thing Matters

There’s a very particular kind of magic in a sapphic romance book that doesn’t play coy. One where two women meet, fall for each other, stumble a bit (because emotional baggage is real), and then—after working through it all—actually get to be together.

Not just hinted-at. Not just “maybe.” Not behind closed doors or under layers of metaphor. The real thing.

Don’t we deserve that? After decades of reading between the lines, analyzing every lingering glance on screen, and debating whether those two historical figures were “just good friends”—aren’t we ready for stories where women loving women isn’t the subtext but the actual text?

Subtext could thrive at Tamsin and Diane’s conservative golf club, but nope… I couldn’t do it.

We’ve Had the Code. Now Let’s Have the Clarity.

Sapphic women are among the most skilled readers between the lines—because for so long, that’s all we had. We became fluent in glances and innuendo. We celebrated crumbs.

But sapphic romance books allow us to experience full stories where there’s nothing to decode. We get to see ourselves in love, not just in longing. On the page, in the spotlight, fully fleshed out and emotionally fulfilled.

That’s not just satisfying—it’s essential.

I remember devouring books as a teenager, looking for any hint of women who might love women. Finding coded characters felt like discovering buried treasure. But I don’t want treasure hunts any more. I want romances where sapphic love is right there on the surface—bold, beautiful, and unapologetic.

No hunting for queer characters required in Release the Stars…

From Fantasy Casting to Full-Fledged Fiction

Whenever I plot a new story, I always know one thing for certain: there will be no ambiguity. The two leads are unapologetically queer, emotionally complex, and deeply attracted to each other. They don’t dance around it—they dive in.

Because that’s the joy of a sapphic romance book: the depth of feeling, the tension, the slow burn or sudden spark. The journey, yes—but also the clarity. There’s no question where the heart is heading.

And best of all? These women get to choose each other and stay chosen.

No “but society won’t allow it” endings. No tragic separations. No returning to men because it’s “the right thing to do.” Just two women who work through their issues (and there will always be issues) and find their way to each other.

A Sapphic Romance Book Is More Than a Love Story

At first glance, sure—it’s a romance. There are kisses and glances and maybe some heat under the collar (okay, definitely some heat). But underneath, every sapphic romance book is also a declaration. A refusal to stay hidden. A reminder that our love stories are worthy of attention, celebration, and joy.

Writing them is not just about giving readers what we didn’t always get growing up—it’s also about offering hope, possibility, and visibility. It’s about normalizing women loving women in all their beautiful, complicated, fully human glory.

I’ve heard from readers who found themselves in my characters. Who finally saw their desires and experiences reflected back at them. Who closed one of my books and thought, “Yes, that’s it. That’s what I’ve been trying to say.”

That connection matters more than any bestseller list or literary prize ever could.

So forbidden, subtext wouldn’t dare to get close…

So, Yes. I Want the Real Thing.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in all my books. No subtext. Just chemistry, connection, and a whole lot of feels. With a happy ending, always.

Because as far as I’m concerned, that’s the standard—not the exception.

When two women find each other in my books, they get to have the full experience—the highs, the lows, the everyday moments of building a life together. The arguments over who does the dishes and the making up afterward. The meeting-the-family nerves and the quiet Sunday mornings.

The real thing. Because we deserve it.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜