Picture an Armenian-American storyteller who’s weaving queer romance with a hearty dose of cultural pride—meet Taleen Voskuni! This San Francisco-based author has taken the rom-com world by storm with her vibrant, heartfelt novels that blend love, identity, and Armenian heritage. From her debut Sorry, Bro to her follow-up Lavash at First Sight, Voskuni’s stories are like a warm hug, sprinkled with humor and a side of lavash.
With a knack for crafting characters who feel like friends, Voskuni balances her tech career with her passion for writing sapphic romances that celebrate self-discovery and community. Her work isn’t just about love—it’s about finding your place in a world that’s sometimes hard to navigate, all while savoring the flavors of Armenian culture.
The Making of Taleen Voskuni
Born and raised in the Bay Area’s vibrant Armenian diaspora, Taleen Voskuni grew up surrounded by a tight-knit community and a family bursting with love and tradition. She attended Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan, an Armenian school in San Francisco, immersing herself in her heritage before earning a BA in English from UC Berkeley. Voskuni’s writing journey began early, penning princess tales as a child, but it wasn’t until adulthood that she found her voice in romantic comedies. A fateful Caltrain commute, where she overheard a conversation about Armenian identity, sparked the idea for her debut novel, proving inspiration can strike anywhere.
By day, Voskuni runs a research company, juggling parenting and her love for dark chocolate. Her shift to writing rom-coms came from a desire to share joyful Armenian stories, especially for queer readers, blending her tech-savvy life with her creative passion.
Taleen Voskuni’s Unforgettable Stories
Voskuni’s debut, Sorry, Bro (2023), is a sapphic rom-com that follows Nareh, an Armenian-American journalist navigating a breakup and her mother’s quest to find her a ‘suitable’ Armenian husband. Enter Erebuni, a witchy woman who helps Nareh embrace her bisexuality and heritage. The novel, praised by Kirkus and Booklist, won the 2023 Golden Poppy Award for best romance, lauded for its witty dialogue and cultural depth.
Her second novel, Lavash at First Sight (2024), serves up another queer romance, this time at a Chicago food packaging conference. Nazeli ‘Ellie’ Gregorian meets Vanya, only to discover their families are bitter rivals. Packed with culinary competitions and forbidden love, it’s a delicious ode to Armenian-Lebanese cuisine and self-acceptance. Critics, including Booklist, called it a ‘dazzling delight’ for its humor and heart.
Voskuni’s upcoming Our Ex’s Wedding (Fall 2025) promises an enemies-to-lovers tale between an Armenian wedding planner and a winery playboy. Her style—playful, culturally rich, and emotionally resonant—makes her books a beacon for readers craving diverse, uplifting stories.
Why Taleen Voskuni Matters
Taleen Voskuni is carving a vital space in romance literature by centering Armenian-American and queer identities. Her novels tackle heavy themes like the Armenian Genocide and cultural conservatism with a light touch, making them accessible yet profound. By showcasing joyful queer Armenian stories, she challenges taboos within her community, offering representation that resonates deeply with readers who see themselves in her pages. Her work also educates non-Armenians about a culture often overlooked, fostering empathy and awareness.
Voskuni’s impact extends beyond books—she’s a voice for diaspora communities and queer joy, proving love stories can be both universal and uniquely specific. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next release, a testament to her ability to connect through storytelling.
- Key Works: Sorry, Bro (2023), Lavash at First Sight (2024), Our Ex’s Wedding (2025)
- Awards: 2023 Golden Poppy Award for Best Romance (Sorry, Bro)
- Hobbies: Parenting, gardening, dark chocolate indulgence
Snag Sorry, Bro or Lavash at First Sight and dive into Taleen Voskuni’s heartwarming world of Armenian rom-coms. Your bookshelf—and your heart—will thank you!