Bespoke: A Novella

by L.M. Bennett

Love, one fitting at a time?

Calisha "Cal" Duke, a bespoke tailor with a dapper flair, thrives in her world of men's fashion. As a third-generation tailor, she feels pressure to uphold the sterling family tradition and name, but also wants to carve out a path that is uniquely hers.

When Rocky Beckford, a striking new client, requests a custom-made suit for a wedding, sparks fly, leaving Cal questioning her feelings and her reputation. This is the first time she's ever crushed hard on a client, and on another stud.

As Cal and Rocky explore this unexpected connection together, will they find out if genuine chemistry transcends labels?

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Novella, Queer, Lesbian Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2024

Reviews

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy and sweet novella. Cal is a third generation tailor who is all about integrity and thoughtfulness. But she’s given up on love and now devotes herself only to her craft. Then one of her long time clients refers his niece to Cal to have a suit made for a family wedding. Sparks fly when Cal and Rocky get together.

I love Cal. She self defines as a stud and most of her life, she’s been with more feminine presenting women so she is surprised at her attraction to another stud. There’s a genuineness to her that sets her character aside. Cal is a fine, dapper gentlewoman who is accustomed to being mindful of others but not herself. In spite of the story being so short, we get a good picture of who she is and other topics pop up like Cal’s relationship with her family, especially her father. I also enjoyed the scenes of food appreciation which is always a winner for me. Finally, the chemistry and build up between Cal and Rocky is both funny and spicy. Although we get less of Rocky, she still strikes hot. I hope the author considers revisiting these characters because I would love to hear more of their story.

4.5 stars.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you, LM, for this #ARC and the amazing opportunity to review your amazing novella.

Where to start with this book, 🤔 this book is great, the chemistry between Cal and Rocky is on point and I loved that it wasn't your typical Stud/Femme story with is being a Stud/Stud romance it was new for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The MCs hit it off from the start, with Cal having the biggest crush on Rocky

I loved the storyline it's entertaining and keeps you engaged throughout and when the two MCs are together sparks certainly do fly the sexual tension is fire, the developed is well thought out and it's brilliantly written and I highly recommend this book along with LM's other books.

This title will be released on February 5th, so go and get it in your calendars today!

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Sadie☠🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella! This was my first-time reading stud for stud, and I am upset that this isn't longer because the attraction between Cal and Rocky was 🔥🔥🔥. I definitely want to read more stories like this.

[Deja Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheesh!

It’s a damn shame I took this long to read an L.M. Bennett book. Wow.

Cal is a tailor who has been given the reigns to her father’s business. But she wants to make it her own which includes getting in new clients. Rocky is that new blood she’s been looking for, in more ways than one. 👀

Tailoring is an intimate sort of profession so it lent itself to the tapestry of this story Bennett weaved and seamed together so well…(all puns intended).

The chemistry between the two studified MCs…off the charts. My heart is still beating as I write this review. Hot 🔥🥵

And yet so sensual. ❤️🌹

I had to read this story twice though, because I spent the first time around tangled in Ms. Bennett’s words.

It’s one thing to be able to tell a story, it’s a whole other skill to tell it so beautifully. Had me in my feels the entire time. So poetic…and ouuu!

**Sighs audibly** 😮‍💨

😂 So good.

So glad to see so many great black lesbian books with all kinds of rep trickling onto the scene. Bennett is a master at what she does. I’m hoping to get a full novel. I want a full-length experience! In the meantime, I’m reading ALL this woman’s books!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beautiful Stud/Stud Romance!

Pretty quick read and well written story of two studs that find each other in unexpected places. Told in Cal’s pov, she is starving to be enough for her father as she’s following in his footsteps as a tailor and taking over his shop and customers. Naturally when she meets fellow stud, Rocky, she swoons. Their attraction is so lovely to read, even as Cal fights against it. Rocky is so patient and calm and supportive. The ending is perfect. Definitely recommend!

[Siddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal is a bespoke tailor, continuing in the business started by her grandfather and later her father. She spends all day alone in the small shop, serving the occasional customer and working in the back room. She is unusual in being an out lesbian, making top quality traditional clothing, with her main clients being high class gentlemen.
One of her long-time customers recommends Cal to his niece Rocky to make a tux for an upcoming wedding. Cal is happy to have the different challenge of making a bespoke tux to fit a curvy woman.
When Rocky comes for her first meeting to choose material and style, Cal is tongue-tied with an embarrassing crush. This only gets worse during their next two meetings, but later she can tell the attraction is mutual.
This is an interesting light novella, sometimes slow moving, but at other times the relationship between Cal and Rocky moves very fast. Not a deep story, but worth reading.

[Aricka Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

something different but I liked it!

Ngl, I know nothing about being a tailor but I enjoyed how much Cal enjoyed her work. I’ve also never read the stud x stud trope before, but I knew I’d like it from the first time Cal was mesmerized lol Honestly I loved Cal and Rocky together because they meshed so well with on another. I’d definitely be down to check out a part two if there ever was one.

[♡Matty♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you L.M Bennett for an ARC of Bespoke!

I thoroughly enjoyed it! The writing is great, the characters are more than likable, and I truly felt Cal's inner conflict.

This was my first stud on stud read and honestly, I want more 🤩.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. This was beautiful! I loved every single thing about this. Bennett really outdid herself with this one. Gorgeously written, tender, incredibly likable main characters and a wonderful romance. Cal tailors a suit for Rocky and there is chemistry between them from the jump. Cal doesn't know how to handle how she's feeling about Rocky because they're both Studs but it was so great and rewarding watching Cal be brave and take the chance on a relationship with her. Rocky is incredibly suave and charming and I loved how understanding she was of Cal's feelings and concerns. They were perfect for each other. Also, the sex scene at the end was fucking beautiful. So passionate and tender. This had been sitting on my kindle since it came out and I'm so glad that I finally got around to it.

[ASapphicLitReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeously written story! The writing style was flowing and smooth. It painted such a vivid picture, combined with the playlist, that reading it felt like a fully immersive experience. The story itself was beautiful as well. So full of people showing a deep understanding for one another. Not just Rocky and Cal, but their families as well. I loved that Cal got tentative approval from her father, something she always coveted. This book felt bright and kind of joyful. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a short, passionate read. And I definitely suggest listening to the playlist as well. Thanks so much to L. M. Bennett for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kymbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverent

It was heartening to see Rocky and Cal work through expectations from themselves and society to find solace in each other. The back and forth between them highlighted the chemistry between the two. The author compassionately formed Cal' s struggle to conform to her father's expectations while struggling with feelings that don't match how Cal views themselves. This was definitely worth the read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with a suit. Cal a tailor has to make Rocky’s suit for a wedding. Two butches acknowledged their surprise at seeing a glint in each other’s eyes. Each fitting made their attraction to each other clear

The sexual tension built with each fitting. Cal making the suit for Rocky who comes to mean more & more. Knowing it’s mutual. With each considering how it could work. Then the Wedding happened.

[bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this well-written novella. i think i kinda of got lost at one point when rocky & cal were at the hotel? maybe it was me but i feel like some details might have been missing, but other than that, it was a wonderfully written quick read. i'm a stud4stud ALLY & i love seeing/reading stud4stud love stories ❤️

4.5 ⭐️s!

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really liked this! It was such a nice short read! I’ve never read a stud x stud books before, I don’t think I’ve even seen one recommended before 🤔 so that being said, I definitely recommend it. We never get many masc/masc sapphic books. So this is always a bonus! I need more 😂

Written in first person with a single POV. 1x Spicy Scene.

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great butch/butch pairing centered around an order for a bespoke tuxedo. Everything sounded incredibly luxurious and also left room for both leads to have a personality.

One of my top 2025 reads. Certainly worth the read if you want a butch/butch perspective or if you want some romantic descriptions of tailoring.

[Phylicia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

S4S

Oh my. The tension was thick between Cal and Rocky. I loved the teasing and uncertainty. It even came with an unexpected ending. The whole story had me flustered from beginning to end. I am totally recommending this to all of my friends..

[April Pou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fully developed novella

The pacing was perfect. I don't require a full length romance, I know where it's going take me there with grace and precision. L.M. Bennett did that here with a little spice to boot.

[Irma Millirons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down. It was a refreshing love story between masculine-centered lesbians. Loved it.

[M Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is nothing wrong with studs attracted to each other. This one was well played out and kept my attention. Beautifully written. Well done.

[Victoria Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dream and long for a meet cute. This was short and sweet and the only bad thing about it, is that there isn’t more!! Loooooved it

[Amounah Works · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are both sexy and this is well-written. 5 stars if it was longer.

[Emm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoonworthy

This had me swooning. I loved the connection between Cal and Rocky. I had to drip feed this novella, it was so good.

[Tisa Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Here for IT!!

I love, love, and this story is a true measure of the issues we face daily even within our own community. This story was told effortlessly, and I love it!!

[Rach Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would’ve loved this to be longer - loved both Calisha and Rocky - would’ve also loved to see a bit of the story from Rocky’s perspective

[Frances Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. My second novelette by this author and love how rich they always feel despite the short length. And we need more books with stud/stud (or butch/butch) pairings!

[Ruby Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, I think I just found a new auto-buy author. This novella is perfection. L.M. Bennett finds exactly the right balance of description to make you feel you are absolutely in this world, without ever crossing the line to too wordy. From the smooth snip of the tailor's shears in the hush of the store, to making a home-cooked meal that you can almost smell in the air while navigating family complexities. There's a quiet to this story that's endlessly appealing, like taking an hour all the way out of your own life to rest in this narrative. It's a story about desire and what we do and don't allow for ourselves - and it's fiery hot - but the part that really resonated for me was the deep peace of two women who are usually The Carer, the one who sacrifices, finding an equal in each other. So satisfying and just beautifully done.

[Shaun J. Phree · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you for writing this novella! I enjoy reading stud-on-stud stories, and this one did not disappoint. The characters were relatable and layered. I felt Cal's inner conflict, and it had me cheering for her on the sideline. The interactions with her mother drew me in; it was comforting. Rocky's description throughout the story was full of life. With the playlist, the author created beautiful pictures of another world for me to immerse in. I am looking at more books by L.M. Bennett right now.

Thank you, L.M. Bennett,or the ARC and the opportunity to review this vibrant novella.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot!

Not a huge fan of first-person POV, but it certainly works here. The author has a way of inhabiting a character that almost puts the reader in their shoes. This tale is rich in details that bring you a bit closer to what it must be like to be a tailor. And, what is a stud to do when she longs for more in her intimate interactions? Seems that connecting with another stud, who understands that life experience might just be the perfect answer. This is a wonderful story of connection that happens to be very short and very steamy.

[K.C. Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of the romance that felt a little rushed to me--yes, I know it's a novella, but there's a lot of summary/exposition in the first half. Ultimately, it moves into a soft and somewhat quiet low-angst romance. I liked the characters but I *loved* the scene between Cal and her parents, oh my goodness.

Always a fan of LM Bennett's shorts, and this one includes her usual attention to detail when it comes to the specifics of the characters and their interests.

[RaShae Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and HOT

These two are so cute from the moment they meet. Cal and Rocky compliment each other very well. They're very caring and patient with each other. Honestly I was expecting a kiss after the final fitting but the actual moment was better. Cause a tailor making a form fitting suit that I was attracted to would do things. The tension was written so well i could feel it and kept chanting "kiss already". That end scene was 🤤.