Reviews and Awards

A new look at prejudice and a different view of pride all painted with the dark purple of a fruity Shiraz....

Substitute for Love at Book Marks

The lesbian hybrid of Joyce Carol Oates and Danielle Steele....

Roller Coaster – Goldie Finalist

Roller Coaster / Awards

Roller Coaster Finalist at the 2012 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards for Lesbian Romance....

Night Vision at the Bay Area Reporter

Night Vision is funny, suspenseful, and romantic - a real pleasure to read and recommend....

Night Vision at the Lesbian Review of Books

But where the author really shines is what she does for love....

Just Like That – Goldie Winner!

Just Like That / Awards

Just Like That Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Romance at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2006 Awards Ceremony....

Reader Comments about Love by the Numbers

A bonus: fun use of exotic locales. Well done, brain-engaging romance....

Libera Me – Critique Monchoix.net

In Deep Waters Volume 2 / Awards

...Tous ces ingrédients mis ensemble en font un livre qui se lit facilement, et qui, encore une fois, fait rêver....

In Deep Waters Volume 2 – Lammy Winner!

In Deep Waters Volume 2: Cruising the Strip Winner of the 2008 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBT Erotica. Co-authored with Radclyffe....

Castle Wrath at The Lesbian Review

Castle Wrath / Reviews

Castle Wrath is the fun, erotic horror lesbian rewrite of Northanger Abbey that we never knew we needed.

The Kiss that Counted at Lambda Book Report

Deeply moving characters and storytelling....

Reader Comments about Embrace in Motion

Embrace in Motion / Reviews

Delightful and thoughtful... A satisfying book....

Reader Comments about Finders Keepers

A romance built around a real world and real people....

Finders Keepers at Books to Watch Out For

Strong character portraits, interesting and informative plots, and engaging storytelling....

Captain of Industry at the Lesbian Reading Room

Captain of Industry / Reviews

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......

Reader Comments about The Dawning

Dawning / Reviews

Being a descendant of First Generation Americans, I am impressed by this attention to detail....

L-Word.de reviews Tanz auf dem Eis

Warming Trend / Reviews

Die Happy-End-Garantin schafft es spielend, mit Hilfe von Freundschaft...

La Belle Eprise Critique – Universe-L

Autant le dire tout de suite, j’ai adoré ce livre que j’ai dévoré en quelques heures ce week-end....

Reader Comments about Sugar

The dialogue is probably the best I have read by this author and she excels at snappy dialogue....

Reader Comments about Night Vision

Frosting on the Cake Volume 2 / Reviews

They prevailed with good old fashioned lesbian camaraderie and intelligence....

Above Temptation – Lammy Finalist

Above Temptation / Awards

Above Temptation Finalist for the 2010 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance....

Reader Comments about Frosting on the Cake 2

One of my favorite things to do after reading a Karin Kallmaker book is to jump over to my Frosting on the Cake....

“Butch,” “Salt,” and “Steam” at the Lesbian Reading Room

Butch Across the Hall / Ice and Fire / Salt - A Story / Steam Across the Hall / Reviews

Exquisite writing, extremely fiery sex, great characterisation despite the length and a totally enjoyable read....

Maybe Next Time at Midwest Review of Books

Compelling story of redemption, healing and surviving....

Reader Comments about Christabel

Christabel / Reviews

A gothic fantasy novel that features lesbians. I'm so there....

18th and Castro – Lammy Finalist

18th and Castro / Awards

18th and Castro Finalist for the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards: Best LGBT Erotica....

Reader Comments about Just Like That

It wasn't that long ago I thought romance novels had nothing to offer a sophisticated reader. I was wrong......

Unforgettable at the Lesbian Review of Books

The kind of indestructible and talented woman we all dream we could be - much like Molly Bolt in Rubyfruit Jungle....

Reader Comments about “Unbeliever”

Unbeliever / Reviews

As close to perfection as I have ever read......

Sugar at Wishing Well

This cute novel held me enthralled wondering who cake designer Sugar Sorenson would end up with......

Reader Comments about Above Temptation

Above Temptation / Reviews

Action-spy-story-mystery with dramatic possibilities and breathtaking plot developments....

Captain of Industry at the Lesbian Review

Captain of Industry / Reviews

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....

Lesbicanarias Review of En Aguas Profundas

Para mi lo más interesante de el libro es precisamente lo diverso que es....

Reader Comments about Roller Coaster

Frosting on the Cake Volume 1 / Reviews

I couldn't wait to see what happened & would wake up during the night to read more....

Reader Comments about Frosting on the Cake 1

This one's a mouth-watering delight....

Frosting on the Cake at Bookmarks

Frosting on the Cake Volume 1 / Reviews

She's more than imaginative, she's cleverly inventive......

Trailblazer – Golden Crown Literary Society

Awards

2011 Trailblazer Award from the Golden Crown Literary Society Previous Trailblazers include Ann Bannon, Sarah Aldridge, Jane Rule, Katherine V. Forrest, Lee Lynch and Ellen Hart. The Trailblazer Award is given to a lesbian writer for...

All the Wrong Places at Bay Windows

Karin Kallmaker heats up the lesbian romance genre......

All the Wrong Places at Wishing Well

...Full of steamy sex and strong emotional realizations...

My Lady Lipstick at Lambda Literary Review

My Lady Lipstick has a well-written plot with innovative character drama and a love story that doesn’t disappoint. The romance sparkles, the characters are enchanting...

Unforgettable at Celebrate!

A fascinating and totally believable roller coaster with unexpected complications and intriguing plot twists......

Stepping Stone at the Lesbian Review

Stepping Stone / Reviews

Be sure to pick this one up!...

Embrace in Motion at MegaScene

Embrace in Motion / Reviews

Characters that engage the interest of the reader....

Maybe Next Time – Lammy Winner!

Maybe Next Time / Awards

Maybe Next Time Winner of the 2003 Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Romance....

Reader Comments about In Deep Waters 1

These stories are great as stand alone and as surprise returns of characters I had read before....

18th and Castro at In the Know

Masterful storytelling that doesn’t get in the way of generating incredible heat....

Bell Book and Dyke – Goldie Finalist

Unbeliever / Awards

Bell, Book and Dyke: New Exploits of Magical Lesbians This collection of four novellas was a finalist at the 2006 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards for Lesbian Fantasy. The book contains “Unbeliever” as well as novellas...

All the Wrong Places – Lammy Finalist

All the Wrong Places / Awards

All the Wrong Places Finalist in two categories for the 2005 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance and Best LGBT Erotica....

Reader Comments about 18th and Castro / 16 Shades of Lesbian Love

Passionate, romantic, funny, emotional sweet, sad, and best of all - well written....

Alice B Readers Lifetime Achievement Medal

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...

Comfort and Joy at Dear Author

A fine touch......

18th and Castro at In News Weekly

A cast of characters who buzz in and out of each other's lives......

Reader Comments about All the Wrong Places

Tell tale warmth, vulnerability, and charm that are so recognizable of this author....

Love by the Numbers at Frivolous Views

Added to my 're-read' pile!...

The Dawning at Midwest Review of Books

Dawning / Reviews

An enduring intensity from first page to last....

Paperback Romance at the Lesbrary

Paperback Romance / Reviews

Good things to say about staying true to yourself......

Just Like That at MegaScene

10 Quick and Easy Salads+2 / Reviews

Wine buffs, as well as lovers of a good romance, will enjoy this excellent read....

10 Quick and Easy Salads at the Lesbian Review

One of my favourites! Charming and wonderfully written....

Seeds of Fire at Book Marks

Seeds of Fire / Reviews

An atmospheric mix of mythical past lives and daunting present-day dangers......

Sugar at MegaScene

Making Up for Lost Time / Reviews

A light, frothy story that is just possibly as light as the cakes made by the main character....

Reader Comments about Making Up for Lost Time

It's as delicious as all the recipes included!...

Unforgettable at Journal of Lesbian Studies

The book’s underlying message is one of lesbian empowerment… Kallmaker’s reign as “queen of lesbian romance” no doubt will continue. – Journal of Lesbian Studies...

Reader Comments about The Kiss that Counted

The perfect mix of angst and comfort....

Reader Comments about In Every Port

In Every Port / Reviews

A book where the women are strong and commanding...

Paperback Romance at Bay Area Reporter

Paperback Romance / Reviews

A real gift for characterization and realistically humorous dialogue....

LJ Maas Memorial Award

Awards

In Recognition of Mentorship Awarded by the Executive Director of the Golden Crown Literary Society, the LJ Maas Memorial Award was presented as “recognition of your mentorship of young writers and your commitment and dedication...

Reader Comments about “My Lady Lipstick”

"A well-written story that I really liked and can easily recommend." - Pin...

Once Upon a Dyke at Wishing Well

What a story!...

Night Vision at the Lesbian Review

...Oh, the journey is so worth it......

Sugar at Book Marks

Frosting on the Cake Volume 2 / Awards

Sugar is a literary snack as delectable as the fabulous desserts created by the Seattle chef....

Reader Comments about Watermark

Watermark / Reviews

Beautiful and unforgettable story of love and hope....

Frosting on the Cake 2 – Goldie Winner!

Frosting on the Cake 2: Second Helpings Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Short Stories at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2011 Awards Ceremony....

Roller Coaster at the Lesbrary

Kallmaker quietly but effectively sets the stage... Recommended....

Finders Keepers at The Lesbian Review

Finders Keepers is a rare gem that should be treasured and revisited regularly.

My Lady Lipstick at Lesbian Reading Room

Frosting on the Cake Volume 2 / Awards

The whole is a perfectly wrapped bundle of enjoyment for anyone who likes a good romance....

Paperback Romance at Celebrate!

Paperback Romance / Reviews

This, friends, is good reading....

Substitute for Love – Lammy Finalist

Substitute for Love / Awards

Substitute for Love Finalist for a 2001 Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Romance. This was the first year that a category for Romance was included by the LLF....

Frosting on the Cake 2 – LesFic Readers Choice Winner!

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....

Reader Comments about “Do Overs Plus Two More”

Do Overs + 2 / Reviews

An excellent writer, with lots of experience, and it shows....

Reader Comments about Maybe Next Time

A romance that reads like saga, is structured like a mystery, and is written with an ear for music....

Once Upon a Dyke – Lammy Finalist

Fish Out of Water / Awards

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 “Fish Out of Water” as well as novellas by Barbara...

18th and Castro – LesFic Readers Choice Winner!

18th and Castro / Awards

18th and Castro Winner of 2006 Favorite Anthology/Story Collection as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards....

Substitute for Love at Womyn’s Words

One of Karin Kallmaker's best and most engrossing books yet!...

Night Vision at Mystery Buff Magazine

The premise for the story is interesting and imaginative... Refreshing!...

Reader Comments about Sleight of Hand

Sleight of Hand / Reviews

The emotions and powers at work raised the hair on the back of my neck at times!...

Night Vision – Top Five of the Year at BAR

In Deep Waters Volume 1 / Awards

Bibliophile's Bounty! Night Vision Top Five of the Year!...

Christabel at MegaScene

Christabel / Reviews

The perfect read for a dark night, a cozy armchair and a warm fire in the fireplace....

Sleight of Hand at Lambda Book Report

Sleight of Hand / Reviews

Complicated plot elements are handled beautifully......

In Deep Waters Volume 1 – Goldie Winner!

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....

My Lady Lipstick at The Lesbian Review

One Degree of Separation / Reviews

Both characters are expertly drawn and easy to love. I appreciated that Kallmaker made one a wonderfully complex and relatable butch....

One Degree of Separation at Midwest Review of Books

...Filled with humor, lust, and lots of intelligent, interesting dykes....

In Deep Waters 1 at Curve Magazine

This winning combination gives us fantasy, romance and smut throughout....

Unforgettable at Cliterati Blog

It’s clear this is a relationship each of them is going to integrate into her real life… A fun, relaxing, sexy story....

Captain of Industry at Rainbow Reviews

Captain of Industry / Reviews

For as much as I thought I disliked both women for different reasons, Kallmaker sucked me in with deeper character analysis that left me cheering them both on in the last few chapters....

The Kiss that Counted Review by Konnys Lesbenseiten

Dem neuen Buch der „Queen of Lesbian Romance“ für gemütlich-gemütvolle Stunden......

Touchwood and Watermark at Bay Area Reporter

Touchwood / Watermark / Reviews

A wonderfully written, wonderfully entertaining novel....

All the Wrong Places at the Lesbian Review

...Steamy sex, family drama, and all the angst you could hope for with a main character falling for her straight best friend....

Reader Comments about Cowboys and Kisses

Cowboys and Kisses / Reviews

“Karin Kallmaker managed to break my heart with her story Cowboys and Kisses about a frontier whore.” Constant...

Just Like That at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

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.

Comfort and Joy at the Lesbian Review

Sure to make you smile......

Reader Comments about Seeds of Fire

Seeds of Fire / Reviews

A gift to all voracious readers from a splendidly gifted imagination....

Unforgettable at Lambda Book Report

The love scenes sizzle, the stakes are high and the ending is happy....

All the Wrong Places – Goldie Finalist

All the Wrong Places / Awards

All the Wrong Places Finalist at the 2006 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards: Best Lesbian Romance....

Watermark at Lambda Book Report

Watermark / Reviews

The young, hot-headed Teresa and the tormented Rayann pull us in immediately......

Christabel at the Lesbian Review

Christabel / Reviews

Epic and wonderfully told!...

Reader Comments about Substitute for Love

A terrific novel to add to your book shelf....

All the Wrong Places at Lambda Book Report

One Degree of Separation / Reviews

...It’s hot; it’s imaginative; and the bonus is that it’s well-written and well, entertaining....

Reader Comments about One Degree of Separation

This book was like a fantasy come to life. All my life I have had the hots for librarians....

Comfort and Joy at the Lesbian Review

In Deep Waters Volume 2 / Reviews

I’ll be reading this one again next year....

Reader Comments about In Deep Waters 2

Don't read in public unless you just don't give a damn....

Stonewall Library and Archives Distinguished Author Series

EPHEMERA / Other Cool Stuff

The Distinguished Author program brings authors to the Library and Archives located in Fort Lauderdale, to standing room only audiences....

Comfort and Joy at the Lesbian Reading Room

A delightful, gentle tale of an unexpected connection......

All the Wrong Places at Loving Venus – Loving Mars

...Halfway through I’m really dying for two people to get together......

The Kiss that Counted at Just About Write

A gripping story that will delight Kallmaker fans!...

Love by the Numbers at Romance Novels for Feminists

Balance between intellectual and emotional pleasures......

18th and Castro at Lambda Book Report

A fun and sexy read to put you (or someone else) in the mood!...

Painted Moon at the Midwest Review of Books

Painted Moon / Reviews

Interesting characters, wry wit and steamy love scenes....

Tall in the Saddle – Goldie Finalist

Cowboys and Kisses / Awards

Tall in the Saddle: New Exploits of Western Lesbians This collection of four novellas was a finalist at the 2008 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards for Lesbian Erotica. The book contains “Cowboys and Kisses” as well as...

Stepping Stone at Dear Author

Stepping Stone / Reviews

The filmmaking details were fascinating to me... The behind-the-scenes added to the story without getting in the way....

Finders Keepers at Just About Write

The icing on the permissible small sliver of cake is the sexy and truly romantic love story....

Love by the Numbers at the Lesbian Reading Room

This had my dopamine, seratonin and oxytocin levels creeping higher and higher......

Just Like That – Lammy Finalist

Just Like That / Awards

Just Like That Finalist for the 2005 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance....

Sugar at WomanSpace

An upbeat romance that begins with a house fire that threatens a woman's livelihood......

Touchwood at Bay Windows

Touchwood / Reviews

A wonderful book...truly outstanding....

Reader Comments about Touchwood

Touchwood / Reviews

One of the few books about a older woman with a younger woman. Both sensitive and serious as well as filled with humor....

Wild Things at On Our Own

A tale of romance, with just enough hot sex to keep it interesting....

Reader Comments about “A Fish Out of Water”

...A silly, crazy, hot rehash of an originally very depressing fairytale......

18th and Castro at Family and Friends

Takes the reader on an erotic journey......

Unforgettable at MegaScene

If you're looking for a great book with which to curl up, find Unforgettable.

Seeds of Fire – Lammy Finalist

Seeds of Fire / Awards

Seeds of Fire Finalist for a 2002 Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Fantasy....

A Fish Out of Water at The Lesbian Review

I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t put it down. It even haunted my dreams and I woke in the middle of the night to just keep reading it. I think Kallmaker put her own kind of spell on me....

Libera Me – Critique GayVox

Libera me se lit d'une traite et démontre avec bonheur que roman sentimental ne rime pas forcément avec Arlequin.

Reader Comments about Warming Trend

Warming Trend / Reviews

Kallmaker's ability to make ice into something so exquisite and beautiful is testimony to her well-honed craft....

California Assembly Certificate of Recognition

EPHEMERA / Other Cool Stuff

Assemblyman Mark Leno commends, "your dedication to enriching our lives with your use of the written word, broadening LGBT awareness, and being an inspiration..."...

Kiss that Counted – LesFic Readers Choice Winner!

Kiss That Counted / Awards

The Kiss that Counted Winner of 2008 Favorite Romance Book as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards....

Just Like That at The Lesbian Review

The best kind of romance. It has lesbians, just enough angst and a delightful wit and writing style....

Jean Stewart Reviews Seeds of Fire

Seeds of Fire / Reviews

A gem of a read, a gift to all voracious readers from a splendidly gifted imagination....

Once Upon a Dyke at Midwest Review of Books

Romantic, funny, thoughtful, and hot......

Sugar at Books to Watch Out For

A sweet — but not saccharine — story......

Petits jeux entre amies – Critique Et-alors.net

...Du monde tout une gamme d'expériences intimes rarement contées avec autant de naturel et de légèreté......

Substitute for Love at the Lesbian Review

Top 10 Lesbian Romances list...

Maybe Next Time at the Lesbian Review

A brilliant book. I loved every moment of it....

Reader Comments about Painted Moon

Painted Moon / Reviews

...Well written, romantic and comparable to Curious Wine, which I also loved....

Kiss that Counted – Lammy Winner!

Kiss That Counted / Awards

The Kiss that Counted Winner of the 2008 Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Romance....

Painted Moon at the Lesbian Review of Books

Painted Moon / Reviews

Painted Moon is a classic that could very well become the next Curious Wine....

18th and Castro – Goldie Winner!

18th and Castro / Awards

18th and Castro Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Erotica at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2007 Awards Ceremony....

Sugar at Lambda Book Report

...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....

In Deep Waters 1 at Diva Magazine

Kallmaker and Radclyffe come together to pen these hot short stories... A perfect bedtime read!...

Love by the Numbers at the Lambda Literary Review

Just the right amount of tension to make the nerve endings buzz....

Roller Coaster at the Lesbian Review

I had that complete happy sigh that comes after reading an excellent romance......

All the Wrong Places at MegaScene

...A winsome heroine, hot sex, and an interesting plot....

Substitute for Love at Bay Area Reporter

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....

Car Pool at Small Press Magazine

Car Pool / Reviews

An uncommonly realistic romance......

Reader Comments about Wild Things

I love that both these women are smart, and it shows......

Love by the Numbers – Lammy Finalist

Love by the Numbers / Awards

Love by the Numbers Finalist for the 2014 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance....

Recensione da La siepe di more

...In bilico tra il romantico e della blanda letteratura lesbica....

La Belle Eprise Critique – Media-G

Ah ! l'amour... Une histoire qui commence par la fin, pour mieux faire goûter au suspens... Encore de quoi faire rêver les lesbiennes!...

Bell, Book and Dyke at Golden Threads

Unbeliever / Reviews

“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...

Love by the Numbers at Dear Author

I like to see a couple fall in love outside of the bedroom......

Sugar – Goldie Winner!

Sugar / Awards

Sugar Winner for Best Lesbian Romance “Goldie” at the Golden Crown Literary Society 2005 awards ceremony....

“If Only They Knew” at the Lesbian Reading Room

If Only They Knew / Reviews

Brilliant and fun and delightfully well done. Made me smile and dream of such a love....

Just Like That at Golden Threads

“…Sparks have been created and things happen that were definitely not planned. A sweet romance for a rainy afternoon.” – Golden Threads...

Above Temptation – Goldie Winner!

Above Temptation / Awards

Above Temptation Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Romance at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2011 Awards Ceremony....

Kiss that Counted – Ann Bannon Popular Choice Winner!

Kiss That Counted / Awards

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....

Anna Furtado reviews Warming Trend

Warming Trend / Reviews

The broken relationship between Eve and Ani will have the reader on tenterhooks until the end....

Above Temptation – LesFic Readers Choice Winner!

Above Temptation / Awards

Above Temptation Winner of 2010 Favorite Adventure Book as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards....

Jean Stewart reviews Sleight of Hand

Sleight of Hand / Reviews

A cohesive, tightly-knit and dynamic tale!...

Reader Comments about Unforgettable

This story has twists and yet is so believable. Kallmaker knows how to keep your interest. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!...

Reader Comments about Comfort and Joy

Warm, fun and real characters....

Just Like That at Family & Friends

A marvelous story of two head-strong women....

Maybe Next Time at Just About Write

A memorable tale... With flawed but likable main characters, an intriguing plot with many surprises, award-winning prose and flawless editing....

Roller Coaster at C-Spot Reviews

I enjoyed the dialogue as well as the minor characters in the story....

Stepping Stone at Just About Write

Stepping Stone / Reviews

A sheer pleasure and joy to read.... An exceptionally strong and convincing story....

Lesbicanarias Review of Inolvidable