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.
- She's more than imaginative, she's cleverly inventive...
- What a lovely story. I’ll be reading this one again next year.
- Tell tale warmth, vulnerability, and charm that are so recognizable of this author.
- The emotions flowed through the narration as clearly as if Etter was the girl telling me her story.
- I loved the big nod to the early pioneers of lesbian fiction Ann Bannon and Marijane Meaker who were beacons to those searching for more.
- 18th and Castro Winner of 2006 Favorite Anthology/Story Collection as voted by member of the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards.
- An exciting story which might give the reader the courage to make whatever changes must be made in her life. Look for this engrossing book!
- I enjoyed the dialogue as well as the minor characters in the story.
- Strong character portraits, interesting and informative plots, and engaging storytelling.
- 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...
- I can’t talk about my favourite aspect of the book without blowing a massive spoiler. Just know that it’s SO GOOD.
- 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.
- The lesbian hybrid of Joyce Carol Oates and Danielle Steele.
- I’ve always been impressed with her writing but this novella was even better than I expected.
- ...It’s hot; it’s imaginative; and the bonus is that it’s well-written and well, entertaining.
- Not only will this book make it onto my Best Karin Kallmaker List but it has also made my Top 10 Lesbian Romances list.
- Christmas cheer, community, healing and attraction, even love.
- She has a gift for imagery and metaphor that adds sumptuous layers...
- I couldn't wait to see what happened & would wake up during the night to read more.
- Captain of Industry is subtle and engaging, a Kallmaker love story with the kind of angst to which we can probably all relate.
- A wonderfully written story of redemption, finding trust, and love conquers all.
- The Dawning is one of those superb novels that are so easy to pick up - and so difficult to put down!
- I like to see a couple fall in love outside of the bedroom...
- ...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.
- At times heartbreaking, but overall hopeful, I really loved Darlin’s story and was very pleased with the ending.
- All the Wrong Places Finalist in two categories for the 2005 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance and Best LGBT Erotica.
- This is a romance and a serious book that examines a wide range of issues of the day ... without detracting from the story and the characters.
- The heat of a prairie fire and the bold passion these women share is portrayed in vivid, poetic language.
- This quick smooth read will leave plenty of time to search your jar of change to find your own ancient coin of love.
- This story has twists and yet is so believable. Kallmaker knows how to keep your interest. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
- 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.
- These stories are great as stand alone and as surprise returns of characters I had read before.
- A cohesive, tightly-knit and dynamic tale!
- “…Sparks have been created and things happen that were definitely not planned. A sweet romance for a rainy afternoon.” – Golden Threads
- Die Happy-End-Garantin schafft es spielend, mit Hilfe von Freundschaft
- Checked Out is a sweet heartwarming story that just begs to be read in the run up to the festive season.
- Delightful and thoughtful... A satisfying book.
- Car Pool, like many of Kallmaker's books, presents readers with a sweet romance. But, she doesn't shy away from including real-world issues in her books.
- Both author and narrator are such professionals, they made this audiobook a great experience. Highly recommended.
- This is a romance ... that showcases real, internal struggles instead of a sequence of external obstacles neatly resolved before the happy ending.
- But where the author really shines is what she does for love.
- Karin Kallmaker heats up the lesbian romance genre...
- Besides all the correct librarian content... I had to stop reading more than once to get more snacks.
- The writer has crafted the characters well, and you can't help but empathise with Irene.
- This is a very interesting book, as much for the story as because of who wrote it. There’s not a single second of doubt that this is a Kallmaker book. Her style is everywhere.
- A wonderful book...truly outstanding.
- If anyone had suggested to me that I would have been moved and enthralled by a fictional alien encounter, I would never have believed it, but there you have it.
- A great job of blending humor with the realities of life, like smeared makeup when you want to be sexy and limbs that fall asleep...
- There's no doubt that Painted Moon will take you on an emotional roller coaster, but you will certainly enjoy the ride... Beautifully sensitive.
- An atmospheric mix of mythical past lives and daunting present-day dangers...
- Finders Keepers Finalist for the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance.
- Limited and often harsh options of unattached women were starkly depicted but carried gently in an almost sensuous prose...
- Dem neuen Buch der „Queen of Lesbian Romance“ für gemütlich-gemütvolle Stunden...
- Painted Moon is a classic that could very well become the next Curious Wine... [It] has the compelling storyline and strong writing that will deservedly reinforce the popularity of the romance genre.
- The way Kirstine and Skyra build a life together without any blueprint or social safety net is nothing short of inspirational.
- Just Like That Winner of a Goldie award for Best Lesbian Romance at the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2006 Awards Ceremony.
- Autant le dire tout de suite, j’ai adoré ce livre que j’ai dévoré en quelques heures ce week-end.
- Get this book when you want to find romance in amongst the dumpster fire world in which we live.
- 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.
- 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.
- ...Full of steamy sex and strong emotional realizations
- It’s clear this is a relationship each of them is going to integrate into her real life… A fun, relaxing, sexy story.
- She tells stories that can be read over and over again with characters that linger in your thoughts.
- One of the finest!
- This traditional lesbian romance book was charming with fantastic dialogues that just appealed to the nerd in me.
- Roller Coaster Finalist at the 2012 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards for Lesbian Romance.
- Never has a fictional character’s Happily Ever After delighted me more.
- The premise for the story is interesting and imaginative... Refreshing!
- Classic Kallmaker elements with interesting characters, wry wit and steamy love scenes.
- 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 to new authors of lesbian literature.”
- The heat of a prairie fire and the bold passion these women share is portrayed in vivid, poetic language.
- La diversión radica precisamente en los giros de tuerca que se van descubriendo por el camino...
- It wasn't that long ago I thought romance novels had nothing to offer a sophisticated reader. I was wrong...
- "Irene is a very strong character, once she realizes she can be." - Jude in the Stars
- The ending is wonderful and filled my heart with hope and love.
- Great writing, smart story with fascinating, unusual, and well developed characters. People you would like to know.
- It is definitely a romance and if you haven’t read Ms Kallmaker’s Coin of Love series you are missing out.
- A romance built around a real world and real people.
- Good things to say about staying true to yourself...
- The filmmaking details were fascinating to me... The behind-the-scenes added to the story without getting in the way.
- She is obviously skilled in writing great stories, and this book is a great example of her work
- A bonus: fun use of exotic locales. Well done, brain-engaging romance.
- There is a warmth to the author's reading that works perfectly for this story.
- The book's underlying message is one of lesbian empowerment... Kallmaker's reign as "queen of lesbian romance" no doubt will continue.
- Amazing to read such a fresh story, interesting jobs.. a double love story (Paz and Josie are super cute), and a wild trajectory for Kesa and Shannon...
- A sweet — but not saccharine — story...
- A cast of characters who buzz in and out of each other's lives (and apartments) in the course of one busy night...
- This winning combination gives us fantasy, romance and smut throughout.
- A new look at prejudice and a different view of pride all painted with the dark purple of a fruity Shiraz.
- ...Tous ces ingrédients mis ensemble en font un livre qui se lit facilement, et qui, encore une fois, fait rêver.
- Wine buffs, as well as lovers of a good romance, will enjoy this excellent read.
- Smart story with fascinating, unusual, and well developed characters... Of course Abby Craden always gives an unbelievably enjoyable narrative.
- ...Steamy sex, family drama, and all the angst you could hope for with a main character falling for her straight best friend.
- Deep and layered with meaning. ...The result is an unexpectedly haunting tale told in image-drenched language that stays with you long after the story is over.
- All the Wrong Places Finalist at the 2006 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards: Best Lesbian Romance.
- If you are looking for a strong, independent heroine, you will discover her...
- Above Temptation Finalist for the 2010 Lambda Literary Awards: Best Lesbian Romance.
- The dialogue is probably the best I have read by this author and she excels at snappy dialogue.
- This book was like a fantasy come to life. All my life I have had the hots for librarians.