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Leila & Camille
A vacation fling is the perfect way to explore her long-hidden desires. But can she walk away with her heart intact?
Camille Franklin knows exactly who she is. At fifty-two, she’s built a successful career and raised a family without ever questioning her path—or her sexuality. But when she meets Leila Ortez, a magnetic, free-spirited woman several years her junior, everything changes. What begins as a sun-drenched holiday flirtation quickly becomes something far deeper, awakening a passion and vulnerability Camille never expected.
When the vacation ends, Camille tries to leave the affair behind, but the memory of Leila lingers—her touch, her laughter, the way she made Camille feel truly seen. Three months later, fate throws them together again, and the spark reignites instantly. Only now, real life stands between Camille’s responsibilities, her fears, and the walls she’s spent a lifetime building.
As desire deepens into something neither can deny, Camille must decide whether she’s brave enough to risk everything for love—or destined to remain forever out of reach.
Steamy, emotional, and irresistibly romantic, Leila & Camille is a captivating age-gap, ice-queen romance about second chances, forbidden longing, and the courage it takes to finally follow your heart.
Camille Franklin knows exactly who she is. At fifty-two, she’s built a successful career and raised a family without ever questioning her path—or her sexuality. But when she meets Leila Ortez, a magnetic, free-spirited woman several years her junior, everything changes. What begins as a sun-drenched holiday flirtation quickly becomes something far deeper, awakening a passion and vulnerability Camille never expected.
When the vacation ends, Camille tries to leave the affair behind, but the memory of Leila lingers—her touch, her laughter, the way she made Camille feel truly seen. Three months later, fate throws them together again, and the spark reignites instantly. Only now, real life stands between Camille’s responsibilities, her fears, and the walls she’s spent a lifetime building.
As desire deepens into something neither can deny, Camille must decide whether she’s brave enough to risk everything for love—or destined to remain forever out of reach.
Steamy, emotional, and irresistibly romantic, Leila & Camille is a captivating age-gap, ice-queen romance about second chances, forbidden longing, and the courage it takes to finally follow your heart.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2025
87 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books368 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 25, 2025
Wonderful story and couple! Age gap, ice queen, sweet and spicy, toaster oven, employer/employee but the power dynamics are not what you'd expect! Loved it!
January 13, 2026
Camille set up a financial company after losing her job in London. This was during the time she was also a mother to two young sons. All this with very little help from her husband Tom, and these experiences have made her a very strong personality. Now she is divorced, running the successful company, considered an ice queen by most of her employees, and feeling quite lonely.
Leila works for a company in the north of England, but is searching for a new job. Having grown up with emotionally distant and narcissistic parents, she has learned to read people well, and has a distinct style: approachable, but also aloof emotionally, very good at reading a room, and saying what she thinks in a way that charms people rather than offending them. She also knows and owns her beauty, wearing clothes that accentuate her elegance and gorgeousness.
Leila and Camille meet on holiday in Madeira, and have a holiday fling that affects both of them deeply, but for many reasons it stopped when they left the island and returned to the UK.
They didn’t share much personal information, and on their return Camille especially wanted to brush the romance under the carpet, having never been with a woman before and having no intention of leaving the closet. However, people around her noticed how much happier she was for a time after returning from the break.
Leila is fantastic - so spirited, feisty and sexy. Even though Camille is a wonderful character, Leila is the star of the show. She is also mysterious - I like that she never explains her French accent.
When I read a book, I like it when nothing gets in the way of the immediacy of the words forming pictures, feelings, emotions, and thoughts in my mind - when these are implanted in my consciousness as though the book doesn’t exist, just a conduit to the experience. This story was like that for me. The language was so good, the editing excellent, the prose just flows, and so I felt as though the story was happening around me, and I could feel Leila and Camille’s arousal, love, frustration, and empathy. Excellent.
Leila works for a company in the north of England, but is searching for a new job. Having grown up with emotionally distant and narcissistic parents, she has learned to read people well, and has a distinct style: approachable, but also aloof emotionally, very good at reading a room, and saying what she thinks in a way that charms people rather than offending them. She also knows and owns her beauty, wearing clothes that accentuate her elegance and gorgeousness.
Leila and Camille meet on holiday in Madeira, and have a holiday fling that affects both of them deeply, but for many reasons it stopped when they left the island and returned to the UK.
They didn’t share much personal information, and on their return Camille especially wanted to brush the romance under the carpet, having never been with a woman before and having no intention of leaving the closet. However, people around her noticed how much happier she was for a time after returning from the break.
Leila is fantastic - so spirited, feisty and sexy. Even though Camille is a wonderful character, Leila is the star of the show. She is also mysterious - I like that she never explains her French accent.
When I read a book, I like it when nothing gets in the way of the immediacy of the words forming pictures, feelings, emotions, and thoughts in my mind - when these are implanted in my consciousness as though the book doesn’t exist, just a conduit to the experience. This story was like that for me. The language was so good, the editing excellent, the prose just flows, and so I felt as though the story was happening around me, and I could feel Leila and Camille’s arousal, love, frustration, and empathy. Excellent.
March 27, 2025
The taste of her
For the first time in her life, Camille Franklyn has found herself noticing a woman's physical beauty. Or, bluntly, she finds her sexy.
(Rosie, her best friend, is along on holiday and finds the situation hilarious. But like a good wing woman, she encourages her to go for it.)
Leila Ortez finds the older woman attractive, so when she gets the chance she invites her to bed. But not to sleep. She's interested in a fling to help get over someone, while Camille wants a holiday fling.
After several days they part, but Leila wants to stay in touch, but Camille thinks they should end it.
Hot to The Touch.
Leila is NOT over Camille, but she also knows she won't contact her. Finding a new job, she throws herself into work and her new life.
It's been two months and Camille is not ok. Her attempt to go back to men was a failure, and now she's tentatively looking into the local lgbtqia community. And dating, but so far nothing clicks.
Leila is actually working for Camille, but the other woman us so busy they haven't met yet after a week and a half. They meet, Camille flips and then flees the office.
Rosie continues to be fun. She does not let Camille dodge anything, and even gets her to admit she might love Leila.
Leila more or less Wears Camille down, while the older woman wrestles with if she's actually lesbian. I also felt sorry for Pamela, a staffer working with Leila, watching this all play out in confusion.
3.5 out of 5 overall.
For the first time in her life, Camille Franklyn has found herself noticing a woman's physical beauty. Or, bluntly, she finds her sexy.
(Rosie, her best friend, is along on holiday and finds the situation hilarious. But like a good wing woman, she encourages her to go for it.)
Leila Ortez finds the older woman attractive, so when she gets the chance she invites her to bed. But not to sleep. She's interested in a fling to help get over someone, while Camille wants a holiday fling.
After several days they part, but Leila wants to stay in touch, but Camille thinks they should end it.
Hot to The Touch.
Leila is NOT over Camille, but she also knows she won't contact her. Finding a new job, she throws herself into work and her new life.
It's been two months and Camille is not ok. Her attempt to go back to men was a failure, and now she's tentatively looking into the local lgbtqia community. And dating, but so far nothing clicks.
Leila is actually working for Camille, but the other woman us so busy they haven't met yet after a week and a half. They meet, Camille flips and then flees the office.
Rosie continues to be fun. She does not let Camille dodge anything, and even gets her to admit she might love Leila.
Leila more or less Wears Camille down, while the older woman wrestles with if she's actually lesbian. I also felt sorry for Pamela, a staffer working with Leila, watching this all play out in confusion.
3.5 out of 5 overall.
November 7, 2025
What Happens On Vacation, Stays On Vacation - Or Does It…
Claire has given us a very steamy look into an age gap fling on vacation. Camille has been curious about the young woman who keeps staring at her while at the pool and the restaurant. It is very obvious what she wants from her. She is straight but still cannot help but keep looking back. On vacation with her best friend, she has become captivated with this woman. Leila, who suffered a breakup recently has her eye on a beautiful older woman but she has yet to figure out if she is interested. But when the beauty walks towards her at the restaurant bar, neither expects what happens next. A heavy duty romance where Camille who is a control freak lets Leila take the lead and finds herself submitting to a relationship that can go no further than this vacation. While Leila insists they can still get together when they get back and gives her number, Camille shuts that down. While both women can’t get the other out of their head months later, Camille who is an ice queen at her company has a shock waiting for her when she enters the break room for a coffee. This part of the story takes an emotional turn. This is where Claire stands out with her storytelling skills as we get deeper into both women’s story. A great read by an author whose writing style constantly has us captivated.
Claire has given us a very steamy look into an age gap fling on vacation. Camille has been curious about the young woman who keeps staring at her while at the pool and the restaurant. It is very obvious what she wants from her. She is straight but still cannot help but keep looking back. On vacation with her best friend, she has become captivated with this woman. Leila, who suffered a breakup recently has her eye on a beautiful older woman but she has yet to figure out if she is interested. But when the beauty walks towards her at the restaurant bar, neither expects what happens next. A heavy duty romance where Camille who is a control freak lets Leila take the lead and finds herself submitting to a relationship that can go no further than this vacation. While Leila insists they can still get together when they get back and gives her number, Camille shuts that down. While both women can’t get the other out of their head months later, Camille who is an ice queen at her company has a shock waiting for her when she enters the break room for a coffee. This part of the story takes an emotional turn. This is where Claire stands out with her storytelling skills as we get deeper into both women’s story. A great read by an author whose writing style constantly has us captivated.
March 10, 2025
My first book by this author and I’m disappointed that I’ve not found her sooner
The first part of the book is mostly spice, (as it should be considering the situation), but the second part, we get to see more of the characters, more of the struggle for Camille as she has to come to terms with the direction her life is taking her.
Again, the first book I’ve read from Claire Highton-Stevenson, but it won’t be the last
3.5⭐️
The first part of the book is mostly spice, (as it should be considering the situation), but the second part, we get to see more of the characters, more of the struggle for Camille as she has to come to terms with the direction her life is taking her.
Again, the first book I’ve read from Claire Highton-Stevenson, but it won’t be the last
3.5⭐️
April 11, 2025
startling deep, emotional and a fun read!
Claire Highton-Stevenson is a remarkable writer, able to showcase emotions that are thrilling and deep with engaging characters and satisfying settings! She is a gifted artist with the words flowing as if sculpted or painted with raw emotions. Laughter followed by tears and anxiety, dragging the reader as if on a roller coaster! I simply loved this book.
Claire Highton-Stevenson is a remarkable writer, able to showcase emotions that are thrilling and deep with engaging characters and satisfying settings! She is a gifted artist with the words flowing as if sculpted or painted with raw emotions. Laughter followed by tears and anxiety, dragging the reader as if on a roller coaster! I simply loved this book.
October 22, 2025
I liked this one from the start! As I've aged, I've become a bigger fan of the age gap trope and of stories representative of mature women. Claire's books are always well written, have fully developed characters, humor, and events that could actually happen in real life. This is an emotional romance that had me fanning myself a few times. I really enjoyed this temporary escape from my ordinary life.
May 22, 2025
4.5 Stars 🔥
A great read. I loved that Camille processed and took that time she needed & when she made her decision- she might've hesitated at times, but she didn't run and she didn't backstep. Leila was adorable & her personality was the spark Camille needed. Very hot, funny, romantic, and very well written.
A great read. I loved that Camille processed and took that time she needed & when she made her decision- she might've hesitated at times, but she didn't run and she didn't backstep. Leila was adorable & her personality was the spark Camille needed. Very hot, funny, romantic, and very well written.
November 13, 2025
What a great read this was! Just the right amount of spice and great story of these two women who are just perfect for each other. But you know how it goes, someone just has to make impossible until you cant hold back any longer. First book I’ve read from this author but I’m sure it won’t be my last.
May 25, 2025
Super Hot Romance
Ice Queen Boss Camille who hasn’t a clue she is a lesbian goes on vacation with her best friend. Leila who is experiencing a breakup with her girlfriend sees Camille and is attracted to her. Thus begins an awakening for Camille. This is a five star romance.
Ice Queen Boss Camille who hasn’t a clue she is a lesbian goes on vacation with her best friend. Leila who is experiencing a breakup with her girlfriend sees Camille and is attracted to her. Thus begins an awakening for Camille. This is a five star romance.
October 17, 2025
Claire Highton-Stevenson did it again with this story. It has all the feels and spice! I am a sucker for ice queen-age gap and this book has both. This is a must read and fingers crossed we get this in Audiobook form.
June 16, 2025
wow
From catching glances across the poolside the attraction instant but confusing for the ? Straight woman the holiday fling begins and ends at the end of the holiday of does it🌈🌹
From catching glances across the poolside the attraction instant but confusing for the ? Straight woman the holiday fling begins and ends at the end of the holiday of does it🌈🌹
July 23, 2025
Cute!
September 27, 2025
Loved it!!!
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
October 31, 2025
5 stars are not enough for this book. 🔥🔥🔥
February 3, 2026
Enjoyed
Enjoyed how the holiday fling turned into a proper relationship and how camille coming out and be proud to be with leila at the end.
Enjoyed how the holiday fling turned into a proper relationship and how camille coming out and be proud to be with leila at the end.
November 4, 2025
A story that will grip you as soon as you start reading. Claire never fails to write one that has interesting main characters who have serious chemistry together. Warning, it is hard to put down once you have started and you will be wishing for a HEA well before the end.
January 9, 2026
This book is pure fire—romantic, intense, and totally addictive. I couldn’t stop turning the pages!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews