Love stories in other words
International Day of Sign Languages
September 23 is the International Day of Sign Languages, a celebration of the richness, diversity, and beauty of sign languages around the world. Sign languages aren’t “translations” of spoken words—they’re full, vibrant languages with their own grammar, poetry, humor, and depth. They’re how millions of people connect to culture, identity, and each other.
This day matters to me personally. I learned ASL in college, drawn to the language and the way it carries meaning through the whole body, not just the mouth. Years later, I got a big ol’ refresher when I dated a Deaf man—an experience that deepened my respect for Deaf culture and reminded me, in very real ways, that communication is about far more than sound.
As a romance author, I think a lot about how love is expressed. Sometimes it’s whispered, sometimes it’s shouted, sometimes it’s written down. And sometimes it’s signed. Communication is never just about words—it’s about being understood.
Sign Language in Romance
Romance novels thrive on communication—and miscommunication. But stories that include Deaf characters and sign languages show us something even more powerful: love that listens in every way possible. Here are a few that highlight sign language and Deaf representation in romance:
Fourth Wing (and the entire Empyrean series) by Rebecca Yarros, narrated by Rebecca Soler with Teddy Hamilton
A beloved side character communicates exclusively through sign, and the main characters know her language. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that accessibility belongs even in fantasy worlds.
Quiet Beautiful Things by Samantha Christy (Montana Brothers, Book 1)
A small-town, single-dad romance where sign language plays a key role in the relationship. It’s on my TBR but promises to be tender, heartfelt, and deeply human.
Matzah Ball Surprise (and all of Brown’s books) by Laura Brown, narrated by Kelli Tager
Laura Brown, who is hard of hearing herself, writes contemporary romances that center Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters with humor, vulnerability, and authenticity. I’ve read Matzah Ball Surprise and Cruise Fling (also narrated by Kelli Tager), and both left me smiling at the way her characters navigate love, culture, and communication.
A Note About Formats
I often recommend audiobooks because of my own disability—listening allows me to read in ways that print sometimes doesn’t. But I also know that audiobooks aren’t for everyone, and for people with hearing loss, they may not be accessible or appealing. Every book I recommend here is also available in print and ebook formats, so you can choose the version that works best for you.
Representation in romance is more than a trope—it’s a mirror. When Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters get their happily-ever-afters, it tells readers that love stories aren’t confined to one way of speaking, hearing, or being. It says: your love matters, your joy matters, your story belongs here.
And for readers outside the Deaf community, these stories expand empathy. They remind us that connection doesn’t depend on sound—it depends on presence, attention, and care.
This International Day of Sign Languages, I’d love to know: what’s a story you’ve read where communication itself—spoken, signed, or unspoken—was part of the love story?
Because at the end of the day, love is about being seen, heard, and understood—in any language.
