Reviews and Awards
and Other Achievements
Thank you to every single person who talks up books. Word of mouth matters today as much as it ever has. People’s opinions matter more than search algorithms!
Readers often ask what they can do to help lesfic. Posting just a few words about any book is incredibly helpful for both authors and other readers. A good place to start is with how that book made you feel.
- Once Upon a Dyke: New Exploits of Fairy Tale Lesbians This collection of four novellas was a finalist at the 2004 Lambda Literary Awards for LGBT Fantasy. The book contains an earlier, shorter version of “A Fish Out of Water.”
- A diabolical plot and how two friends, Lisa and Tan, work with Ani and Eve to clear Ani's name.
- In Deep Waters Volume 1: Cruising the Seas Winner of 2007 Favorite Erotica Book as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards. Co-authored with Radclyffe.
- These [COVID] elements provided the story with a layer of reality that didn't feel depressing,
- The young, hot-headed Teresa and the tormented Rayann pull us in immediately...
- Angela Dawe is the narrator and is the perfect choice to do this novel justice.
- Die Happy-End-Garantin schafft es spielend, mit Hilfe von Freundschaft
- One of my favourites! Charming and wonderfully written.
- The whole is a perfectly wrapped bundle of enjoyment for anyone who likes a good romance.
- She is obviously skilled in writing great stories, and this book is a great example of her work
- ...Searching for a touching and steamy historical romance with fully fleshed out characters, then look no further...this is the perfect story for you!
- "Irene is a very strong character, once she realizes she can be." - Jude in the Stars
- Karin Kallmaker continues to amaze me with yet another story told in a totally different fashion than most...
- A gem of a read, a gift to all voracious readers from a splendidly gifted imagination.
- An upbeat romance that begins with a house fire that threatens a woman's livelihood...
- Both characters are expertly drawn and easy to love. I appreciated that Kallmaker made one a wonderfully complex and relatable butch.
- It is definitely a romance and if you haven’t read Ms Kallmaker’s Coin of Love series you are missing out.
- This is a beautiful romance, a story of two people who are so destined to be together that no matter how big the gulf between them they can find a way to overcome it.
- ...Reality-based & entertaining story about the conflicts & consequences when faced with choosing which you're most willing to sacrifice— the life of your dreams or the love of your life?
- Very good narration for an excellent novella. 4.5 stars.
- Beautiful and unforgettable story of love and hope.
- I expect a lot from Kallmaker and she delivered a good romance with interesting characters and a plot line that left me mulling it over for days.
- Strong character portraits, interesting and informative plots, and engaging storytelling.
- Because I Said So wins Best Lesbian Romance - Short Novel at the 2020 Goldie Awards.
- The story was great, I adore the MCs and the narration by Abby Craden, as always, was superb!
- I Heart SapphFic readers have voted Knight of Night the Historical Romance of the Month!
- The Kiss that Counted Winner of 2008 Favorite Romance Book as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards.
- It simply reads “In Appreciation” The Alice B. Award for Lifetime Achievement comes from a group of dedicated readers in Arizona who every year name veteran writers and debut authors as Medalists and Lavender Award Certificates winners respectively. Other medalists include KG MacGregor, Radclyffe, Cate Culpepper, Katherine V. Forrest, Ann Allen Shockley, Sheila Ortiz-Taylor, Ellen Hart, Peggy J. Herring, Gerri Hill and Claire McNab.
- Extremely well written in classic Kallmaker style, with a great supporting cast of friends and colleagues and a fascinating exploration on the social scene these women inhabit...
- This traditional lesbian romance book was charming with fantastic dialogues that just appealed to the nerd in me.
- Nikki sings her way into Artie’s heart and music plays a key element to their interactions.
- Just Like That Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Romance at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2006 Awards Ceremony.
- Great writing, smart story with fascinating, unusual, and well developed characters. People you would like to know.
- A marvelous story of two head-strong women.
- I was so elated I wanted to celebrate their Happily-Ever-After when I finished reading it! Phew! What a thrilling, intoxicating ride, indeed!
- This tale of love lost and love found makes you cry and laugh at the same time.
- Checked Out is a sweet heartwarming story that just begs to be read in the run up to the festive season.
- Castle Wrath is the fun, erotic horror lesbian rewrite of Northanger Abbey that we never knew we needed.
- Wind in Her Hair voted I Heart SapphFic Historical Romance of the Month!
- Autant le dire tout de suite, j’ai adoré ce livre que j’ai dévoré en quelques heures ce week-end.
- A romance built around a real world and real people.
- The Kiss that Counted Winner of a Golden Crown Literary Society Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2009 awards ceremony. This award is voted on by the Society’s membership in an annual poll.
- The emotions flowed through the narration as clearly as if Etter was the girl telling me her story.
- Bibliophile's Bounty! Night Vision Top Five of the Year!
- There is a warmth to the author's reading that works perfectly for this story.
- I love that both these women are smart, and it shows...
- Kallmaker has created a moody, epic, romantic, passionate novel...
- She's more than imaginative, she's cleverly inventive...
- In Deep Waters Volume 2: Cruising the Strip Winner of the 2008 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBT Erotica. Co-authored with Radclyffe.
- A delicious romance with just a hint of intrigue ... Uncommonly realistic!
- Both author and narrator are such professionals, they made this audiobook a great experience. Highly recommended.
- The Dawning is one of those superb novels that are so easy to pick up - and so difficult to put down!
- ...Cake layers, ganache, and fondant - the detailed descriptions of baked goods had me ready to bike immediately to the local café for a triple-chocolate-chip cookie.
- One of my favorite things to do after reading a Karin Kallmaker book is to jump over to my Frosting on the Cake.
- Exquisite writing, extremely fiery sex, great characterisation despite the length and a totally enjoyable read.
- I really did enjoy this novel and recommend it to those who love WLW romance.
- If you’re at all into reinterpretations of classic literature or have been wondering what Karin Kallmaker’s writing is like, I highly recommend Just Like That.
- A very well written and gorgeous little read with a bit of magical realism thrown in.
- Above Temptation Winner of 2010 Favorite Adventure Book as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards.
- Never has a fictional character’s Happily Ever After delighted me more.
- Sugar is a literary snack as delectable as the fabulous desserts created by the Seattle chef.
- If you're looking for a great book with which to curl up, find Unforgettable.
- This had my dopamine, seratonin and oxytocin levels creeping higher and higher...
- “Some magic both in and out of relationships, some amusing twists on both magic and Druidism, and totally enjoyable for those who have a more esoteric bent. Great fun to read!” – Golden Threads
- Libera me se lit d'une traite et démontre avec bonheur que roman sentimental ne rime pas forcément avec Arlequin.
- I had that complete happy sigh that comes after reading an excellent romance...
- Assemblyman Mark Leno commends, "your dedication to enriching our lives with your use of the written word, broadening LGBT awareness, and being an inspiration..."
- She tells stories that can be read over and over again with characters that linger in your thoughts.
- The dialogue is probably the best I have read by this author and she excels at snappy dialogue.
- This one was entertaining, interesting, beyond imaginary. I loved it. And with Abby Craden’s sexy voice who could ask for more.
- Christmas cheer, community, healing and attraction, even love.
- All the Wrong Places Finalist at the 2006 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards: Best Lesbian Romance.
- This was such an unexpected and inspiring book.
- This story is unique, full of magic and adventure, love and nature and spirituality.
- Both author and narrator are such professionals, they made this audiobook a great experience. Highly recommended.
- I love a book where the women are strong and commanding. It was a GREAT read and I couldn't put it down.
- A gift to all voracious readers from a splendidly gifted imagination.
- A wonderfully written story of redemption, finding trust, and love conquers all.
- Kallmaker and Radclyffe come together to pen these hot short stories... A perfect bedtime read!
- A new look at prejudice and a different view of pride all painted with the dark purple of a fruity Shiraz.
- Being a descendant of First Generation Americans, I am impressed by this attention to detail.
- Kallmaker's pandemic book, but it wasn't heavy, even if there were echoes of the despair and darkness of that period. Highly recommended!
- The dialogue, particularly in conversations between Milla and Tyna, works so well, capturing the first blush of attraction.
- Frosting on the Cake 2: Second Helpings Winner of 2010 Favorite Anthology/Story Collection as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards.
- ...Filled with humor, lust, and lots of intelligent, interesting dykes.
- Brilliant and fun and delightfully well done. Made me smile and dream of such a love.
- The heat of a prairie fire and the bold passion these women share is portrayed in vivid, poetic language.
- Substitute for Love may just be the best Kallmaker I've read in a long time, and given her extraordinary talent, that's saying something.
- In Deep Waters Volume 1: Cruising the Seas Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Erotica at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2008 Awards Ceremony. Co-authored with Radclyffe.
- This lesbian classic audiobook is a good way to immerse yourself in the past and be happy for what we’ve got now.
- Delightful and thoughtful... A satisfying book.
- Just Like That Finalist for the 2005 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance.
- An atmospheric mix of mythical past lives and daunting present-day dangers...
- “…Sparks have been created and things happen that were definitely not planned. A sweet romance for a rainy afternoon.” – Golden Threads
- Get this book when you want to find romance in amongst the dumpster fire world in which we live.
- Recommend with 5 stars and look forward to the next book in the series.
- The filmmaking details were fascinating to me... The behind-the-scenes added to the story without getting in the way.
- They prevailed with good old fashioned lesbian camaraderie and intelligence.
- A cast of characters who buzz in and out of each other's lives (and apartments) in the course of one busy night...