Picture a German storyteller spinning heartfelt lesbian romances from the sun-dappled streets of Freiburg—meet Jae! This award-winning author, once a psychologist, traded clinical sessions for sapphic love stories in 2013, captivating readers worldwide with her slow-burn tales. With a knack for weaving emotional depth across genres, Jae’s novels are a cozy escape into love’s many forms.
Born Sandra Gerth, Jae’s journey from a book-loving child to a literary star is as inspiring as her stories. Her work with Ylva Publishing, both as a writer and senior editor, has made her a cornerstone of lesbian fiction, mentoring new voices while crafting novels that resonate globally.
The Making of Jae
Born on March 19, 1978, in Müllheim, Germany, Jae was bitten by the writing bug at age eleven, earning the nickname 'professor' for her bookish ways. Growing up among southern Germany’s vineyards, she penned stories early on, but practicality led her to study psychology at the University of Freiburg, graduating in 2004. She practiced as a psychologist until her passion for writing took over, prompting her to go full-time in 2013—a leap she calls the 'best decision' of her life.
Her writing career kicked off in 2007 with Backwards to Oregon, a historical lesbian romance published by the now-defunct L-Book ePublisher. In 2012, she joined Ylva Publishing, where her storytelling and editorial skills flourished, shaping her into a dual force in publishing.
Jae’s Unforgettable Stories
Jae’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of lesbian romance, spanning historical, contemporary, paranormal, and suspense genres. Her slow-burn style, infused with psychological depth from her academic background, creates characters that feel achingly real. She writes in English first, then translates her work into German, broadening her reach.
Backwards to Oregon (2007) is a fan-favorite historical romance following a rancher’s daughter and a mail-order bride, earning multiple Golden Crown Literary Society Awards. Something in the Wine (2012), a fake-relationship contemporary romance, sparkles with wit and won an eLit Award. Perfect Rhythm (2017) explores love between a pop star and a small-town nurse, snagging an IPPY Award. Wrong Number, Right Woman (2020), a charming mistaken-identity tale, was a Lambda Literary Award finalist, showcasing Jae’s knack for modern love stories.
Her versatility shines in her refusal to be pigeonholed, blending romance with crime, paranormal, or historical elements. Jae’s themes often explore identity, trust, and vulnerability, wrapped in narratives that balance heart and tension, making her books both comforting and thrilling.
Why Jae Matters
Jae’s impact on lesbian fiction is profound, offering representation through diverse, authentic characters—lesbian, bi, pan, and ace. Her novels provide a safe haven for readers seeking love stories that reflect their lives, earning her a global fanbase. As senior editor at Ylva Publishing, she nurtures new authors, fostering a vibrant sapphic literary community.
With over twenty-four award-winning titles, Jae’s accolades—like Rainbow Awards and Golden Crown Literary Society honors—cement her as a trailblazer. Her work transcends borders, uniting readers through universal themes of love and self-discovery, all from her Freiburg home.
About Jae
- Born: March 19, 1978, in Müllheim, Germany
- Key Works: Backwards to Oregon, Something in the Wine, Perfect Rhythm, Wrong Number, Right Woman
- Awards: Golden Crown Literary Society Awards, Rainbow Awards, IPPY Award, Lambda Literary Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Jae loves ice cream and crime shows almost as much as writing!
Ready to fall in love with Jae’s world? Grab Perfect Rhythm for a cozy, heartwarming dive into her sapphic romances!