It's a very difficult time for trans people the world over right now, especially trans women.

There are many things you can do in solidarity to support trans rights, from protesting to writing letters to MPs, and while all of those options are worthwhile and important, so is reading. Reading books about trans women falling in love and getting the happily ever afters they deserve is a reminder of their humanity, of their right to the fair treatment and acceptance entitled to all women.

And thankfully, there are plenty of romance novels you can read that center trans women's stories.

Though it wasn't always the case, today there are trans women heroines in almost every single romance sub-genre.

This is proof that readers want to see these women grow, change, and get their grand gestures. That there is an audience out there for trans stories. That there are A LOT of people out there who believe in trans women's right to live and love how they choose.

So if you're a reader who's never read a trans romance, now is a great time. And if you've always wanted to write a trans woman heroine, please, do so. There's never been a better, or more important, time to get your story out there.

Contemporary Romance Novels with Transgender Heroines

Show Girl by Alyson Greaves. This gorgeous, emotional boss-employee romance is a story of trans-awakening. It doesn't shy away from the more difficult aspects of transitioning, like transphobia, gender dysphoria, misgendering/deadnaming, and sexism, so be aware of those triggers, but if you can handle them, this book is a joyous read that was even recommended by the great KJ Charles. 

Dulhanniyaa by Talia Bhatt. A delicious slow burn forbidden romance, this story is about a bride who has finally decided to follow her family's wishes and marry, until she meets the woman hired to teach her wedding dances. This is a slow burn full of yearning and pining and injected with Bollywood-style drama and antics.

Fake the Shot by Olivia Lynd. Bless Olivia Lynd for writing taking the immensely popular ice hockey romance sub-genre and injecting it with some inclusivity. This fake relationship romance between a woman looking for a fresh start and a cinnamon roll playboy in need of an image makeover is a banter-filled joy ride.

Make Room for Love by Darcy Liao. If you love labour unions, roommate romances, and butch/femme dynamics, you're in luck. This romance has all that plus a heroine having a bi-awakening thanks to her roommate who, though stern and gruff on the outside, has a gooey center reminiscent of the most delicious cinnamon rolls.

Historical Romance Novels with Transgender Heroines

The Companion by E.E. Ottoman. Need a hug in a book, a reminder that even the worst hurts can be healed if you find a safe space to land? This polyamorous romance, about two trans women and a trans man escaping the society that tore them up, is just that. It's low on plot, high on comfort, and though it deals with trauma, none of it happens on the page, so it's a cozy read despite the circumstances that led the characters to sequester themselves.

A Muse to Live For by Katherine Wyvern. A heavier but no less enjoyable read, this book follows a trans woman trying to survive in 19th century England. Meeting painter Nathaniel is her saving grace, and though their journey to a happily ever after isn't simple, it is beautifully written. Trigger warning for on-page rape.

Driven By Duty by Mia West. If you love Arthurian legends and coming of age stories, this novel is for you. Filled with action, passion, and strong side characters, it's a romance between a warlord's daughter and the lover who helped her escape her past, a past she is forced to return to in order to secure their future. Trigger warnings are listed on the Goodreads page–we love to see it!

SciFi/Fantasy Romance Novels With Transgender Heroines

Cinder Ella by S.T. Lynn. The first in a series of Black trans spins on classic fairy tales, this is a quick read about Ella, who battles misgendering family members and exile to the furthest reaches of the kingdom on her way to a happily ever after with her princess. Trigger warnings include contested transphobia, misgendering, dead-naming, forced outing, and fatphobia.

Blessed by the Cupid Distribution System by Robin Jo Margaret. If you need a short, spicy read to put a smile on your face, look no further. Iris, ace autistic trans woman, and Jayam her plus-sized cupid cutie, walk around town together trying to complete Iris' romance bucket list and find her the perfect date. But her perfect date has been by her side all along. Swoon! Trigger warnings: ableism, brief mentions of acephobia and transphobia

Rhapsody by Molly Bragg. Two words: queer superheroes. That's what this book, and the other three in the series, are all about. This one focuses on Megan, a guitar maker, and Eurion, a red dragon trapped inside Megan's head. It's the ultimate form of forced proximity, and as always happens with the trope, it creates a deep and abiding connection between the two main characters. Note that though this can be read as a standalone, readers seem to agree that reading the rest of the series first provides some necessary context. Trigger warning: kidnapping, transphobia.

The Calyx Charm by May Peterson. Not only does this book have one of the most beautiful covers, but it's also a gorgeous story about two best friends, one of whom is back from the dead, finding their way to a joyful happily ever after despite the forces working against them. The world-building is lush, the pace is fast, and while things do get dark at times, the romance between the main characters provides a steady stream of hope throughout. Trigger warnings: discussions of past sexual assault, discussions of past mental abuse, discussion of suicide, murder, mutilation, and transmisogyny.

Paranormal Romance Novels with Transgender Heroines

Bossed by the Boggart by Wendy Gogh. Want a boss-employee romance, but with a paranormal twist? This delightful story follows single mom Wyn and her boss Bash falling in love in the sweetest way. They deal with real-life stuff, but their connection is never in question, and Bash is a total simp king for Wyn.

On Wings of Fallen Stars by Vaela Denarr and Micah Iannandrea. A polyamorous romance full of queer rep, found family, magic, dragons, druids, and a subtle coziness makes this a great fantasy pick for readers who like their romantasy on the lighter side.

Lady Troubles by Emily Carrington. This is a boxset of trans lesbian paranormal novellas which, when read together, take readers from the meet-cute to the happy ending between a pregnant human and the werewolf she first fears, then falls for. The pack dynamics in this series are wonderful; it's like found family, plus an added layer of extra protection because Maxine, the human, isn't just a wolf's mate. She's part of the pack, too. Trigger warnings in the final novella for kidnapping and abuse.

I'm planning on doing more posts like this in the future of reading lists focused on a very specific subject, especially ones less often covered on social media/in reading forums/recommendation sites, so if there's a trope, theme, or niche you've wanted to read more of, but you just can't find any books that match it, comment below and I'll make a post about it.

Until next post, happy reading and writing!