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The Woman from the Waves
Love and hunger are not the same.
Six years ago, on a remote Scottish island, a mysterious woman saved Sister Madeleine Laurent from drowning. Now, after leaving her convent, Madeleine crosses the ocean again to find the rescuer who changed her life. Instead, her search is disrupted by Hæra North, a brazen, provocative local who stirs Madeleine’s repressed desires—and keeps a secret out of legend.
Hæra has one dream: to become the first female Stormhorse, a powerful leader in her clan of fearsome ocean horse spirits. To do so, she must capture, drown, and eat a worthy human. When she first saw Madeleine, she knew she’d found the one. So why did Hæra save her instead?
Now Madeleine’s back. All Hæra has to do is remain in human form, earn her woman’s trust, then devour her.
But Madeleine is awakening another kind of appetite…
The Woman from the Waves is an epic sapphic romantasy about the power of unleashed desire, the courage it takes to change, and a love so vast it spans the sea, earth, and sky.
Six years ago, on a remote Scottish island, a mysterious woman saved Sister Madeleine Laurent from drowning. Now, after leaving her convent, Madeleine crosses the ocean again to find the rescuer who changed her life. Instead, her search is disrupted by Hæra North, a brazen, provocative local who stirs Madeleine’s repressed desires—and keeps a secret out of legend.
Hæra has one dream: to become the first female Stormhorse, a powerful leader in her clan of fearsome ocean horse spirits. To do so, she must capture, drown, and eat a worthy human. When she first saw Madeleine, she knew she’d found the one. So why did Hæra save her instead?
Now Madeleine’s back. All Hæra has to do is remain in human form, earn her woman’s trust, then devour her.
But Madeleine is awakening another kind of appetite…
The Woman from the Waves is an epic sapphic romantasy about the power of unleashed desire, the courage it takes to change, and a love so vast it spans the sea, earth, and sky.
564 pages, ebook
Published June 5, 2025
459 people are currently reading
3313 people want to read
About the author
Roslyn Sinclair
10 books1,314 followersRoslyn Sinclair knew she was destined to be a writer when her second-grade teacher took one look at her “What I did on my summer vacation” essay and said, “You wrote a novel!” It was all over after that.
She is married to fellow sapphic romance writer Carrie Byrd. They live in the greater Philadelphia area, weathering cold winters, hot summers, pollinated springs, and crisp autumns that make it all worthwhile.
You can keep up with Roslyn by subscribing to her newsletter. Subscribers get first access to book news, exclusive giveaways and promos, and a free steamy sapphic novella.
You can find Roslyn on all of her online platforms here.
She is married to fellow sapphic romance writer Carrie Byrd. They live in the greater Philadelphia area, weathering cold winters, hot summers, pollinated springs, and crisp autumns that make it all worthwhile.
You can keep up with Roslyn by subscribing to her newsletter. Subscribers get first access to book news, exclusive giveaways and promos, and a free steamy sapphic novella.
You can find Roslyn on all of her online platforms here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
June 6, 2025
The blood. The mouth. The sea, the sea, the sea.
Return to me.
4.5 stars. 4.75! This was incredible! There was never any doubt as to whether I would love this; it was just a question how much I would love it. And the answer is: a lot. I've really enjoyed all of Roslyn Sinclair's books before; she's done contemporary romance, scifi romance, a historical romance novella. This is her first fantasy romance, and I ate! it! up! It's a lush, sexy, gorgeously written romance between an ex-nun and the strange woman (unbeknownst to her, a mythological creature) who throws her world and beliefs into havoc. It was a propulsive, completely engrossing read; if time and work constraints hadn't been against me, I could have probably finished this in two sittings. I LOVE long romance books, and this reminded me of why; spending time with these characters made me giddy, and Sinclair has the kind of writing that makes it hold up.
“What we don’t believe matters as much as what we do. But it’s in the middle where things get interesting.”
Sister Madeleine is an American nun and teacher on a trip to Scotland with her class of students. Hæra is an each-uisge, a powerful ocean horse spirit, who wants to escape the fate written for her, by devouring a human and becoming a stormhorse. After an encounter on a remote beach, Hæra saves Madeleine's life, and they don't meet again until six years later. A lot has changed for Madeleine, and she doesn't recognise Hæra as her saviour. But Hæra knows Madeleine, and still wants to devour her, but perhaps in a different way. Oh man, where to start with this... it was just so good. One of those books that grips you from the very first page. And then for me personally, there are some narrative things and plot things that I will ALWAYS love, like overcoming religious trauma from queer perspectives; a woman bucking the sexist norms of her society; consumption as a metaphor for love and desire; a little bit of powerplay, but the kind that's mostly in the bedroom. I love the way the author explored all those themes and wove them into the romance. Madeleine and Hæra had the kind of chemistry that made me giddy, and it was all the more delicious because they're both on these journeys of discovery: Madeleine with her sexuality and Hæra with her humanity. While there are some secrets between them and a measure of power imbalance, I still felt like the author did such a great job of writing convincing chemistry, and actual connection. From the electric first meeting, to the way their minds are bent on each other in their time apart, the reunion that doesn't quite go the way either of them expect, all the conversations they have as they build a rapport... guh, it was so GOOD.
Madeleine hadn’t even intended to touch her. It had just happened, the way both Eve and gravity had happened to the apple. Whether according to the Bible or Isaac Newton, the result was the same: a fall.
I really liked the way Sinclair built the history and the mythology and the lore. She mentioned that she took inspiration from the legends but also a lot of liberties with them. While I obviously don't know much about the originals and can't comment on the adaptation, I found all the lore really fascinating. I am, like any sensible person, terrified of horses, so the descriptions of Hæra's original form were eerie and fearsome but also awe-inspiring? (I also loved how it translated into her human form. Tall, lean, strong women, GUH.) And I always like shapeshifters in fiction, when done well. I really enjoyed the extended cast of characters. There's a side story/parallel plot with Jonathan, Hæra and Madeleine's friend, that I absolutely loved, way more than I expected. Most of the book takes place on a tiny island, and I loved that at times it felt isolated and dread, but also homey and small-towny, when they'd go into the town. Some of the other fantastical elements were surprising, but still really fascinating. And I especially liked the way this treated with Madeleine's religion and faith and her journey of self acceptance.
“You already ate me up,” she said thickly. “There’s only bones left. Spiritually speaking.”
A couple nitpicks! I do think the pacing slows down a lot in the latter half. And it's not because of the length! I actually wouldn't have minded if this were a bit longer, to accommodate a bit more character interaction? Like, there was one time skip I don't think we needed. But that's pretty subjective. I also had a few teensy POV issues. Like, I know I'm in the minority, but I love single POV romances. I think an author can do just as much with the things that they don't tell us or don't reveal as with the things that they do, and a single POV romance is a great example of that. This, of course, is dual POV, and it had to be, or it just wouldn't have been the same story. But my issue was with the frequency of the POV switches. It happened a bit too often, for my tastes! Like, something would be revealed, or something romantic/exciting would happen in Madeleine's POV, and I'd think, 'Omg, I wonder what Hæra thinks about that...' And then we'd immediately switch to Hæra's POV and find out. Haha, it's very subjective, but I'd like to be kept in suspense a little longer. My biggest issue was with how some of the plot elements wrapped up. And I mean, I say 'biggest issue' when in reality it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book. But I just wanted a liiiittle bit more from the resolution for certain characters and plot points.
Hæra laid her hand over Madeleine’s. “It’s not for you to do.” Those blazing eyes burned their way through Madeleine. “You’re not in control of this. I am.”
But like I said, it definitely didn't affect my enjoyment much, because I still adored this. 100% my favourite romance I've read so far this year, and I could absolutely see myself upping the rating upon reread. I'm itching to write more, but most of it would just be rambling about how much I loved this couple and loved this romance. I've quoted some of my favourite lines, and those are only a few of MANY. I've said it already, but this author writes desire and connection like no other. Slow burn to high heat is genuinely my favourite romance formula (though, like I always say, I wouldn't have minded if this were a liiiiiittle slower) and this was so sexy I wanted to swoon. Sorry about me, but I love an obsessive/possessive woman, and Hæra had me giggling. The 'her woman' thing unlocked a primordial part of my brain. Let's not talk about it.
If you've enjoyed Sinclair's romances before, or if you like atmospheric writing and epic romance, or if you're looking for a good sapphic fantasy, you'll definitely want to pick this up. Serious kudos. I can't wait to reread it.
Content warnings:
☆ Thank you to the author for providing a review copy! I am voluntarily leaving a review.
“But the pieces all love you.”
August 12, 2025
the little mermaid (ish) but with murderous sea horses, nuns, and gay people
one nuns journey to unlearning her guilt and shame while the sea horse turned woman who saved her life yearns for her from afar
oh lesbian sea horse woman please save me! save me lesbian sea horse woman!
Bookstagram | Blog
one nuns journey to unlearning her guilt and shame while the sea horse turned woman who saved her life yearns for her from afar
oh lesbian sea horse woman please save me! save me lesbian sea horse woman!
Bookstagram | Blog
May 9, 2025
As my most highly anticipated book this year, it was everything I was hoping for and much more. The angst, the fantasy, the passion. I was so grateful it was long because I got to savor this one that much more.
Hæra was a very complex character and really incredible, and Madeleine was just as amazing. How Roslyn wrote her growth from nun to who she blossomed into was perfection. Both characters went through life-changing transformations, and having the dual POV allowed the reader to gain deeper emotions from both MCs. Insanely good writing.
If the workweek hadn’t been in the way, I would’ve read this super quickly, but I really enjoyed how the chapters would end. I could pick back up the next day and have a clear understanding of the story’s progress.
Also, that was just as dirty as Cranli, Roslyn. That’s all I’ll say about that.
And extra side note, I’m not Catholic, but reading this book during the Conclave had me invested thanks to Madeleine.
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Hæra was a very complex character and really incredible, and Madeleine was just as amazing. How Roslyn wrote her growth from nun to who she blossomed into was perfection. Both characters went through life-changing transformations, and having the dual POV allowed the reader to gain deeper emotions from both MCs. Insanely good writing.
If the workweek hadn’t been in the way, I would’ve read this super quickly, but I really enjoyed how the chapters would end. I could pick back up the next day and have a clear understanding of the story’s progress.
Also, that was just as dirty as Cranli, Roslyn. That’s all I’ll say about that.
And extra side note, I’m not Catholic, but reading this book during the Conclave had me invested thanks to Madeleine.
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2025
I’ll admit, I went into this one pretty skeptical. I’ve read two of Roslyn Sinclair’s other works. One was a rare 1-star read for me, I think I’ve only ever given one or two of those on Goodreads, and the other landed right in the middle with a 3. But I’m happy to say I loved this book.
This felt completely different from Sinclair’s other works, and it shows how much care went into it. The world-building and lore are so well thought out that you can tell it took years to craft. No surprise it was a two-year project.
I loved both of our main characters, Hæra and Madeleine, and the way their story is told in three acts across more than a decade. That time span gave the book so much depth and made it easy to get fully invested in their journey. At 564 pages, it’s definitely a long read, but aside from a slight lag in the last few chapters, the pacing was spot on and never felt like it dragged.
And I have to mention Jonathan, the standout side character for me. He was fantastic from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, slow burns, fated mates, and touch-her-and-die vibes, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
This felt completely different from Sinclair’s other works, and it shows how much care went into it. The world-building and lore are so well thought out that you can tell it took years to craft. No surprise it was a two-year project.
I loved both of our main characters, Hæra and Madeleine, and the way their story is told in three acts across more than a decade. That time span gave the book so much depth and made it easy to get fully invested in their journey. At 564 pages, it’s definitely a long read, but aside from a slight lag in the last few chapters, the pacing was spot on and never felt like it dragged.
And I have to mention Jonathan, the standout side character for me. He was fantastic from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, slow burns, fated mates, and touch-her-and-die vibes, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
May 19, 2025
The Woman from the Waves by Roslyn Sinclair shines within her already amazing catalogue of sapphic romance. Once again, Ms. Sinclair nails the time & place, the romance, and the characters. And, as she always does, she writes chemistry that fizzes.
If it takes a few pages to get into the author’s world of stormhorses under the sea, I’ll tell you it’s more than worthwhile—essential really to fully embrace the character of Hæra, who shines in her role of outsider looking in, of someone very much looking to achieve her goal but finding that might not be what she wants. Or needs.
Similar to her previous novels, the author has constructed one of those books that when it grabs you, it doesn't let go. Dive into the story, and you’ll quickly find yourself fully invested in the MCs’ lives, not merely their relationship. Hæra and Madeleine, separately and together, must navigate their very notable obstacles and how when they connect, sense and meaning is made of their lives.
Ms. Sinclair nails Madeleine's journey of self-discovery, blending the issue of her sexuality with her religion and life choices, while Hæra is complex, fascinating, and compelling, and I think every reader will enjoy both arcs, seeing them characters change and grow throughout the story.
A special mention for the main supporting character here, Jonathan, who I think deserves a story all his own. I’ll say no more, other than to tell you the leads have be as good as they are not to be outshined.
All that and Ms. Sinclair cooks! Not for the first time, I found her writing lush and immersive, in places, gorgeous!
Sitting at one end of the romantasy genre, The Woman from the Waves is sapphic romance at its best, blended with some neat fantasy that directly informs one MC and affects both.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to devour this ARC. I was thrilled to be picked!
If it takes a few pages to get into the author’s world of stormhorses under the sea, I’ll tell you it’s more than worthwhile—essential really to fully embrace the character of Hæra, who shines in her role of outsider looking in, of someone very much looking to achieve her goal but finding that might not be what she wants. Or needs.
Similar to her previous novels, the author has constructed one of those books that when it grabs you, it doesn't let go. Dive into the story, and you’ll quickly find yourself fully invested in the MCs’ lives, not merely their relationship. Hæra and Madeleine, separately and together, must navigate their very notable obstacles and how when they connect, sense and meaning is made of their lives.
Ms. Sinclair nails Madeleine's journey of self-discovery, blending the issue of her sexuality with her religion and life choices, while Hæra is complex, fascinating, and compelling, and I think every reader will enjoy both arcs, seeing them characters change and grow throughout the story.
A special mention for the main supporting character here, Jonathan, who I think deserves a story all his own. I’ll say no more, other than to tell you the leads have be as good as they are not to be outshined.
All that and Ms. Sinclair cooks! Not for the first time, I found her writing lush and immersive, in places, gorgeous!
Sitting at one end of the romantasy genre, The Woman from the Waves is sapphic romance at its best, blended with some neat fantasy that directly informs one MC and affects both.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to devour this ARC. I was thrilled to be picked!
May 31, 2025
Roslyn Sinclair. Her name is synonymous with quality. I admire her decision to self publish this 634 page tome, which allowed her to tell this fantasy romance the way she wanted to. I also appreciate that it’s nothing like her other work.
The Woman from the Waves is a combination of stories within one larger one. Yes - it’s a slow burn romance steeped in ocean horse spirit folklore, but it also explores family dynamics, the internal struggle to reconcile homosexuality with religion, the significance and beauty of found family and a glimpse into the Orkney Islands culture itself. The setting felt like another character in the book and I was completely immersed in it.
It also wouldn’t be Sinclair without delicious spice, but it is less prevalent here than in her other books. The chemistry, however, is palpable from the get-go.
This isn’t a “dessert-like” read - no. It’s a full three course meal complete with after-dinner drinks. It’s an investment of time, but well worth the ride. I love well researched stories set in faraway places. Especially ones that have such fleshed out and interesting characters that take readers into worlds they never imagined.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Woman from the Waves is a combination of stories within one larger one. Yes - it’s a slow burn romance steeped in ocean horse spirit folklore, but it also explores family dynamics, the internal struggle to reconcile homosexuality with religion, the significance and beauty of found family and a glimpse into the Orkney Islands culture itself. The setting felt like another character in the book and I was completely immersed in it.
It also wouldn’t be Sinclair without delicious spice, but it is less prevalent here than in her other books. The chemistry, however, is palpable from the get-go.
This isn’t a “dessert-like” read - no. It’s a full three course meal complete with after-dinner drinks. It’s an investment of time, but well worth the ride. I love well researched stories set in faraway places. Especially ones that have such fleshed out and interesting characters that take readers into worlds they never imagined.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2025
OMG! This is an outstanding story!We meet Sister Madeline on a trip to Scotland with her class of teenage girls. When she hears someone calling from the North Sea one night. Calling her is Haera an Each-usig, a mythical creaturé, that's not so mythical. The two are inescapably attached to each other's lives. This is a fantastic fantasy, age gap, slow burn, HOT, love story! Just know it is a captivating story! I can't say enough as to how wonderful this is! It is a FAVORITE! Deserves more than 5 stars!
June 12, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
First, let me say that I absolutely love Roslyn Sinclair books. I think she’s a fantastic author. And this is a fantastic book. However, for whatever reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
There is an absolute metric ton of internal monologue. Both characters have lots of stuff to be thinking about all the time . I didn’t enjoy that part as much, and that is probably leading to me not enjoying the book as much as others. Not much happens in the story and I found it a bit boring. Obviously there’s some excitement at the very beginning and the end, but in between they’re in the little town or at the farm or in their heads.
Also, while I completely understand the twist in the last act and it totally makes sense and it opens up a lot of possibilities for the characters, I just didn’t like it. And I’m going to leave it there because to go into the reasons why would be a huge spoiler.
Anyway, don’t let my review overly influence you on whether to read this or not. I absolutely urge you to read it. It is well written and well researched and completely worth your time.
First, let me say that I absolutely love Roslyn Sinclair books. I think she’s a fantastic author. And this is a fantastic book. However, for whatever reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
There is an absolute metric ton of internal monologue. Both characters have lots of stuff to be thinking about all the time . I didn’t enjoy that part as much, and that is probably leading to me not enjoying the book as much as others. Not much happens in the story and I found it a bit boring. Obviously there’s some excitement at the very beginning and the end, but in between they’re in the little town or at the farm or in their heads.
Also, while I completely understand the twist in the last act and it totally makes sense and it opens up a lot of possibilities for the characters, I just didn’t like it. And I’m going to leave it there because to go into the reasons why would be a huge spoiler.
Anyway, don’t let my review overly influence you on whether to read this or not. I absolutely urge you to read it. It is well written and well researched and completely worth your time.
October 30, 2025
"It’s like I opened a door I couldn’t close. I keep questioning. I keep wanting who I am, what I am, to be okay, because I’m so tired of fighting myself.”
4.7 stars, I really really liked it.
I remember adding this book to my list long before it was publicly available, and now that I came back after being offline for a while and saw it was available, I didn't hesitate reading it for a second.
What a strange book, but in a good way.
It had romance, mystery, religious trauma, fantasy, tension; everything I love to read, haha.
Tbh, I didn't have much faith in it while reading the first few chapters, but suddenly, without realizing it, it hooked me, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
It was wonderful to see the MCs evolve and see how, despite being so different from each other, they learned to love and discover themselves.
I don't wanna spoil anything, but If you like the kind of books I normally read, I would definitely recommend it.
4.7 stars, I really really liked it.
I remember adding this book to my list long before it was publicly available, and now that I came back after being offline for a while and saw it was available, I didn't hesitate reading it for a second.
What a strange book, but in a good way.
It had romance, mystery, religious trauma, fantasy, tension; everything I love to read, haha.
Tbh, I didn't have much faith in it while reading the first few chapters, but suddenly, without realizing it, it hooked me, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
It was wonderful to see the MCs evolve and see how, despite being so different from each other, they learned to love and discover themselves.
I don't wanna spoil anything, but If you like the kind of books I normally read, I would definitely recommend it.
August 8, 2025
Easily in my top three books this year. Unique and sweet fish out of water (if you'll pardon the pun), both FMCs dealing with the same issue in very different ways. I loved every part of this.
August 12, 2025
This novel was incredible; I was wondering if it would live up to the hype and am very happy that it did. It felt like it was 1000 years long (yes I’m measuring a novel length in years, get over it) but I was very happy about that fact, and it probably could have been longer. This book didn’t take any shortcuts and there was a lot of plot to work through. This was an ambitious novel, which I know because I tried to explain the plot to a friend and stumbled hard trying to find a simple synopsis, and the author successfully pulled it off. I would recommend this to everyone; it was far more than a romance and struck the perfect fantasy balance of being fantastical without becoming inaccessible.
Both protagonists had a considerable amount of ground to cover in their character arcs, and I loved every minute of it. They both had so much to learn about themselves and the world. They both needed to change in some significant ways. Thankfully the author set a very realistic pace. I don’t know which character went through more during this novel and that’s saying something significant considering Haera was literally a sea monster with plans of murdering her love interest, hah! Madeleine’s story brought up so many big feelings while she reckoned with her entire worldview collapsing around her; a process that was given all of the attention that it deserved. Haera was an absolute sweetheart even though it was expressed in unconventional ways.
All of the drama, was necessary.
The plotline was relatively simple and yet had a lot of layers to it. Every scene felt necessary to me even if it wasn’t directly related to the main story. I could easily imagine myself on the island surrounded by locals either gossiping or “keeping to themselves thank you very much”. It was just good, plain and simple.
I specifically liked the ending of this novel. This did not cut to black and leave me unsatisfied. I realize that we don’t need everything tied up in a convenient bow but honest I LIKE THAT so thank you to this author for not rushing out the door at the end of this book!
If I have any complaints, it’s that I wish we saw more connection between the protagonists. Their “special bond” did a lot of heavy lifting.
Go read this. If you read this lengthy rambling review then clearly you’re interested so go ahead, you won’t be disappointed.
Both protagonists had a considerable amount of ground to cover in their character arcs, and I loved every minute of it. They both had so much to learn about themselves and the world. They both needed to change in some significant ways. Thankfully the author set a very realistic pace. I don’t know which character went through more during this novel and that’s saying something significant considering Haera was literally a sea monster with plans of murdering her love interest, hah! Madeleine’s story brought up so many big feelings while she reckoned with her entire worldview collapsing around her; a process that was given all of the attention that it deserved. Haera was an absolute sweetheart even though it was expressed in unconventional ways.
All of the drama, was necessary.
The plotline was relatively simple and yet had a lot of layers to it. Every scene felt necessary to me even if it wasn’t directly related to the main story. I could easily imagine myself on the island surrounded by locals either gossiping or “keeping to themselves thank you very much”. It was just good, plain and simple.
I specifically liked the ending of this novel. This did not cut to black and leave me unsatisfied. I realize that we don’t need everything tied up in a convenient bow but honest I LIKE THAT so thank you to this author for not rushing out the door at the end of this book!
If I have any complaints, it’s that I wish we saw more connection between the protagonists. Their “special bond” did a lot of heavy lifting.
Go read this. If you read this lengthy rambling review then clearly you’re interested so go ahead, you won’t be disappointed.
October 2, 2025
I don’t usually read fantasy, but there’s no surprise that if I’d ever rethink that decision, it would be because of a Roslyn Sinclair book.
I truly loved this book ❤️
I truly loved this book ❤️
August 13, 2025
This was beyond excellent and so worth the wait. The connection between the leads, Haera's earnestness, Madeiline's innocence, their love story, the mythical and atmospheric quality of the whole read - everything was sublime. Straight to my faves list this goes.
November 17, 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars
This is what I yearn for in romantasy. It's dramatic and romantic and fantastical. And to balance all of that spectacle there's a silliness as Hæra navigates her arc of "monster learning human customs."
This book is LONG and some stretches dragged but to be fair, Madeleine and Hæra had a lot of ground to cover in both their individual and relationship arcs and I'd rather a story that explores that to its depths than a rushed narrative. I loved the exploration of faith and myth, love and hunger, blood and chosen family.
Thank you Roslyn Sinclair for sending me the copy, it took me entirely too long to get to.
This is what I yearn for in romantasy. It's dramatic and romantic and fantastical. And to balance all of that spectacle there's a silliness as Hæra navigates her arc of "monster learning human customs."
This book is LONG and some stretches dragged but to be fair, Madeleine and Hæra had a lot of ground to cover in both their individual and relationship arcs and I'd rather a story that explores that to its depths than a rushed narrative. I loved the exploration of faith and myth, love and hunger, blood and chosen family.
Thank you Roslyn Sinclair for sending me the copy, it took me entirely too long to get to.
June 11, 2025
I think The Woman From The Waves will probably be the longest book I'll read this year. Could it have been a bit shorter? Maybe. Some repetitions here and there could have been avoided.
It is although a fantastic tale of Scottish folklore and I had no idea about some the creatures mentioned in it. It was insightful to learn all about it, especially since I visited Scotland not long ago and also went to see the Kelpies. I know, Haera is not a Kelpie... they are not as smart and brave as she is.
Haera and Madeleine come from two different worlds, but both have never experienced love and their journey is a self-discovery of their true meaning in life and of how they can love and be loved. A love that is first carnal, animalistic, possessive, as Haera's wild nature is, and as the story progresses it evolves with Haera's development of emotions. It is the animal becoming human, and on the other side, Madeleine becomes more carnal...
Flesh/Carnality and Mind/Spirituality meet in the middle, discovering they both can cohexist.
And family... blood is not always home... a found family sometimes can have more acceptance of who you truly are.
ps. I have highlighted some Haera's quotes that made me chuckle... lol
It is although a fantastic tale of Scottish folklore and I had no idea about some the creatures mentioned in it. It was insightful to learn all about it, especially since I visited Scotland not long ago and also went to see the Kelpies. I know, Haera is not a Kelpie... they are not as smart and brave as she is.
Haera and Madeleine come from two different worlds, but both have never experienced love and their journey is a self-discovery of their true meaning in life and of how they can love and be loved. A love that is first carnal, animalistic, possessive, as Haera's wild nature is, and as the story progresses it evolves with Haera's development of emotions. It is the animal becoming human, and on the other side, Madeleine becomes more carnal...
Flesh/Carnality and Mind/Spirituality meet in the middle, discovering they both can cohexist.
And family... blood is not always home... a found family sometimes can have more acceptance of who you truly are.
ps. I have highlighted some Haera's quotes that made me chuckle... lol
Read
June 9, 2025look: monster romance is hard to write and made harder by choosing to lead from the “monster’s” pov. (ex: someone you can build a house in). it’s all about devouring and love, being other, unearthly devotion—great!
but it’s very, very hard to give new light to the little mundane facts of human life. the horse exclaims “what is a scissor” in the middle of a big plot point. did not charm me. the book over explains how both characters are breaking free from their ordinary lives. did not work on me. the center ethos of this book is frankly a little plain.
but my bigger issue… the book hinges itself on sheer coincidence to move the plot along when it could be/strongly implied to be borrowing from antiquity. throw in a little storm! charge blindly into action! don’t ask what would happen if you hold back but what would happen if you gave in!
don’t get me wrong #roslynsinclair for life but i’ll be eagerly waiting for the next book.
but it’s very, very hard to give new light to the little mundane facts of human life. the horse exclaims “what is a scissor” in the middle of a big plot point. did not charm me. the book over explains how both characters are breaking free from their ordinary lives. did not work on me. the center ethos of this book is frankly a little plain.
but my bigger issue… the book hinges itself on sheer coincidence to move the plot along when it could be/strongly implied to be borrowing from antiquity. throw in a little storm! charge blindly into action! don’t ask what would happen if you hold back but what would happen if you gave in!
don’t get me wrong #roslynsinclair for life but i’ll be eagerly waiting for the next book.
May 4, 2025
Not sure what to say. Fascinating. Enthralling. Lovely. Different. Intriguing. It will hook you and draw you in. Is it a fantasy? Mythological? Mystic? Or is it everything rolled into one? But it’s most assuredly a story of love. Roslyn Sinclair is a storyteller extraordinaire.
This isn’t my usual genre but I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. Truly worth a read.
I received an ARC copy and I’m leaving a genuine review.
This isn’t my usual genre but I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. Truly worth a read.
I received an ARC copy and I’m leaving a genuine review.
August 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was a fascinating read—immersed in a world of fantasy, mysticism, and folklore that I don’t usually read. I was completely captivated by the plot and the tender, loving relationship that developed throughout the story.
Hæra is an intriguing character whose determination, strength, and sense of wit truly brought her to life. Madeleine, whom we first encounter as a nun, adds a unique perspective that enriches the narrative. Their relationship and romance were heartwarming, and I found myself wishing for even more intimate moments between them.
The secondary characters were equally delightful, with Jonathan standing out as a genuinely endearing presence. The bond he shared with Hæra was touching and added depth to the story. And the love/hate dynamic he had with Hæra’s brother was an interesting subplot.
This was a fascinating read—immersed in a world of fantasy, mysticism, and folklore that I don’t usually read. I was completely captivated by the plot and the tender, loving relationship that developed throughout the story.
Hæra is an intriguing character whose determination, strength, and sense of wit truly brought her to life. Madeleine, whom we first encounter as a nun, adds a unique perspective that enriches the narrative. Their relationship and romance were heartwarming, and I found myself wishing for even more intimate moments between them.
The secondary characters were equally delightful, with Jonathan standing out as a genuinely endearing presence. The bond he shared with Hæra was touching and added depth to the story. And the love/hate dynamic he had with Hæra’s brother was an interesting subplot.
June 14, 2025
I don’t even know how to start this without screaming in LESBIAN!!! But I’ll try to keep it together (barely). ‘The Woman from the Waves’ was one of those books that made me pause and just feel— like, let the prose sink deep into my bones, then look up from the page and whisper “Damn, I’m not okay.” And yet I kept going. Because I couldn’t stop! And that, folks, is the Roslyn Sinclair experience.
—————————
“There was nothing dull about this torture. It was sharp, relentless, alive.”
The yearning in this book??? Unmatched. The tension between Hæra and Madeleine is so intense it had me sweating and blushing in the same breath. I was literally squirming in the best way possible. Like I’m talking slow burn that turns into a wild fire you didn't know you needed in your life!! Sinclair just gets how to write desire — how to make you feel it in your chest and your stomach and your spine!!
She’s the queen of delicious tension.
And look — I’ve read plenty of spicy sapphic stories, but no one does it quite like Sinclair. It’s not about shock value or being overly explicit for no reason. Her scenes build! Like foreplay with words. It escalates at just the right pace, from 0 to 100, but not like a car crash— more like a volcano slowly bubbling up and then finally exploding. And when it happens?? OH IT HAPPENS. I had to put the book down a few times just to catch my breath!! Jeez!
—————————
Let’s talk about the setting real quick: Orkney, Scotland. I was fully transported. Like someone get me a plane and a boat! I want to move to Ætlaquoy yesterday! Sinclair crafted a world so rich and vivid that I could practically smell the sea salt and feel the wind on the cliffs. Her descriptions of the landscape weren’t just filler— they added to the atmosphere, the emotion, the stakes. 10/10 would escape to this hauntingly beautiful place again.
Also, let me just gush a little about Sinclair’s supernatural creatures in this book… Because seriously, I was out here picturing sea spirits, shape-shifting beings, and more mysterious forces that felt straight out of ancient folklore! Sinclair didn’t just toss in fantasy elements for aesthetic – they mattered to the story. They, too, elevated the stakes, added layers to the world-building, and made everything feel enchanted in that deeply mythic way; they truly took my breath away!
—————————
“I’ve never been what I’m supposed to be!”
Okay. This line broke me. Madeleine’s internal struggle with her sexuality hit so close to home it was almost uncomfortable— in the way that healing can be uncomfortable. I was raised Catholic too (but I’m no nun! 💀), and the shame and fear and guilt she wrestled with?? Too real. It felt like I was reading pages from my own journal. That feeling of being terrified to fully accept yourself, even after you think you’ve accepted yourself? It’s heavy. And Sinclair nailed it.
Madeleine’s journey made me feel so seen. I genuinely teared up more than once. And the fact that Hæra has her own parallel arc? Without spoiling too much, it’s safe to say both characters are running from parts of themselves, and watching them find courage—like together—was so moving.
This book isn’t just a love story between two women, it’s a story about learning to love yourself — enough! —to live your truth. This felt like a love letter to every queer person who's still hiding, still scared, still unsure if they'll ever be fully accepted. And in Sinclair’s hands, those fears are held gently. Respected. Understood.
—————————
“If we don’t doubt things or question what we’ve been told, we don’t learn.”
I give Sinclair extra kudos for this part too. Religion is a tough topic, and it could’ve easily been preachy or one-dimensional. But nope. She tackled it with nuance and care. There’s a sense of respect toward belief systems while also challenging rigid dogma and allowing space for growth. That’s not easy to do, but she did it gracefully. It made me feel like I could hold on to my spiritual background and still question things — still find my own truth in the midst of everything.
—————————
Long book? Yes. Did I feel it? Not even a little.
It’s over 600 pages, and yet I flew through it like it was a 200-page novella!! The pacing is utter perfection —not too fast, not too slow. Every chapter gave me something I wanted or didn’t know I needed. The character development is perfectly timed, the plot is engaging, the dialogue has just enough dry humor to make you snort, and the romance?? Huh. Don’t even get me started again.
This was the kind of book that didn’t just entertain me — it carved a little home inside me. It’s rich in story, emotion, heat, and hope. Honestly, ‘The Woman from the Waves’ felt like both a storm and a soft embrace. And yes, you’re probably not ready for what’s coming, but that’s what makes it so powerful.
So! If you’re looking for a spicy, emotional, gorgeously written lesbian fantasy that will transport you to the misty cliffs of Scotland and leave your heart aching in the best way—this. is. it. You found it!
This is a solid 5-star read for me. I lost sleep over it but regret nothing except that I can’t read it again for the first time…
—————————
“There was nothing dull about this torture. It was sharp, relentless, alive.”
The yearning in this book??? Unmatched. The tension between Hæra and Madeleine is so intense it had me sweating and blushing in the same breath. I was literally squirming in the best way possible. Like I’m talking slow burn that turns into a wild fire you didn't know you needed in your life!! Sinclair just gets how to write desire — how to make you feel it in your chest and your stomach and your spine!!
She’s the queen of delicious tension.
And look — I’ve read plenty of spicy sapphic stories, but no one does it quite like Sinclair. It’s not about shock value or being overly explicit for no reason. Her scenes build! Like foreplay with words. It escalates at just the right pace, from 0 to 100, but not like a car crash— more like a volcano slowly bubbling up and then finally exploding. And when it happens?? OH IT HAPPENS. I had to put the book down a few times just to catch my breath!! Jeez!
—————————
Let’s talk about the setting real quick: Orkney, Scotland. I was fully transported. Like someone get me a plane and a boat! I want to move to Ætlaquoy yesterday! Sinclair crafted a world so rich and vivid that I could practically smell the sea salt and feel the wind on the cliffs. Her descriptions of the landscape weren’t just filler— they added to the atmosphere, the emotion, the stakes. 10/10 would escape to this hauntingly beautiful place again.
Also, let me just gush a little about Sinclair’s supernatural creatures in this book… Because seriously, I was out here picturing sea spirits, shape-shifting beings, and more mysterious forces that felt straight out of ancient folklore! Sinclair didn’t just toss in fantasy elements for aesthetic – they mattered to the story. They, too, elevated the stakes, added layers to the world-building, and made everything feel enchanted in that deeply mythic way; they truly took my breath away!
—————————
“I’ve never been what I’m supposed to be!”
Okay. This line broke me. Madeleine’s internal struggle with her sexuality hit so close to home it was almost uncomfortable— in the way that healing can be uncomfortable. I was raised Catholic too (but I’m no nun! 💀), and the shame and fear and guilt she wrestled with?? Too real. It felt like I was reading pages from my own journal. That feeling of being terrified to fully accept yourself, even after you think you’ve accepted yourself? It’s heavy. And Sinclair nailed it.
Madeleine’s journey made me feel so seen. I genuinely teared up more than once. And the fact that Hæra has her own parallel arc? Without spoiling too much, it’s safe to say both characters are running from parts of themselves, and watching them find courage—like together—was so moving.
This book isn’t just a love story between two women, it’s a story about learning to love yourself — enough! —to live your truth. This felt like a love letter to every queer person who's still hiding, still scared, still unsure if they'll ever be fully accepted. And in Sinclair’s hands, those fears are held gently. Respected. Understood.
—————————
“If we don’t doubt things or question what we’ve been told, we don’t learn.”
I give Sinclair extra kudos for this part too. Religion is a tough topic, and it could’ve easily been preachy or one-dimensional. But nope. She tackled it with nuance and care. There’s a sense of respect toward belief systems while also challenging rigid dogma and allowing space for growth. That’s not easy to do, but she did it gracefully. It made me feel like I could hold on to my spiritual background and still question things — still find my own truth in the midst of everything.
—————————
Long book? Yes. Did I feel it? Not even a little.
It’s over 600 pages, and yet I flew through it like it was a 200-page novella!! The pacing is utter perfection —not too fast, not too slow. Every chapter gave me something I wanted or didn’t know I needed. The character development is perfectly timed, the plot is engaging, the dialogue has just enough dry humor to make you snort, and the romance?? Huh. Don’t even get me started again.
This was the kind of book that didn’t just entertain me — it carved a little home inside me. It’s rich in story, emotion, heat, and hope. Honestly, ‘The Woman from the Waves’ felt like both a storm and a soft embrace. And yes, you’re probably not ready for what’s coming, but that’s what makes it so powerful.
So! If you’re looking for a spicy, emotional, gorgeously written lesbian fantasy that will transport you to the misty cliffs of Scotland and leave your heart aching in the best way—this. is. it. You found it!
This is a solid 5-star read for me. I lost sleep over it but regret nothing except that I can’t read it again for the first time…
Read
June 29, 2025I lost interest halfway through.
September 24, 2025
Very impressed with this one. I'll probably come back to comment further after I've digested, but for now, I'm quite mind-blown with the treatment of faith and the spiritual struggle it entails.
June 5, 2025
2.75 ⭐
August 2, 2025
My most anticipated book this year. Did it deliver? YES.
I absolutely enjoyed this one. And I'm gonna be rereading it more than once. It's so well written, the story is very interesting and the characters are beautifully layered.
I'm convinced Roslyn Sinclair can write no wrong.
I absolutely enjoyed this one. And I'm gonna be rereading it more than once. It's so well written, the story is very interesting and the characters are beautifully layered.
I'm convinced Roslyn Sinclair can write no wrong.
September 1, 2025
This is romantasy at its finest. An epic tale where spoonfed beliefs are shaken up beyond repair and love conquers all. Oh, and mythical waterhorses. That too.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sister Madeleine travels from the US to the Scottish Orkney Island of Jorsay with her students when she saves a horse from drowning. In her attempt to save the animal, she ends up in the water herself. She is saved by what can only have been an angel. Years later Magdaleine is still bound to that voice that asked her to return. Return to Jorsay and meet her destiny. Once she arrives however, it’s not an angel she meets. Instead Madeleine runs into the most obnoxious, arrogant, rude but also extremely beautiful and hot woman she has ever met.
Haera is certain of one thing in life. She will be the first female stormhorse her Eachuisge herd of waterhorses has ever had. The only thing she needs to do it’s find a worthy human and devour him or her. Simple. Right. Haera only has to transform into her human form and forge a true bond with them. Her chosen human stirs all kinds of new feelings in Haera, though. Her Sister Madeleine might be almost too good to eat.
These characters feel very real, even if one of them is a horselike predator of the stormy seas. Madeleine might seem vulnerable but behind that veneer is an incredibly strong and competent woman. Whereas Haera believes she is the best, strongest and fastest, yet she discovers she has a very big soft spot for the creatures she loves.
The story is set on the fictional Orkney island of Jorsay. It seems rough and dark, but also welcoming and kind. The descriptive imagery is so good. I could hear the waves crashing, feel the biting wind on my face and smell the sheep poop on the farm.
I love seeing human customs through the eyes of Haera and her making them her own, like drinking cold tea with a dash of salt. Just perfect! It reminds me of that movie with the guy that lived his whole life in an apocalyptic cellar and has to get accustomed to all these new things. I much prefer this story though, it goes far beyond the platitudes of quirky human habits but truly explores what it means to be human. Haera’s relationship with Jonathan is another highlight of the story. This man is a gem and deserves his own book!
After meeting her angel Madeleine sees her familiar world slowly unraveling, questioning the truths she has been taught . Other people’s truths. She is discovering her own personal truth and and working hard to accept it. The guilt and shame of knowing you are different and wouldn’t be accepted by the community you grew up in is heartbreaking.
Roslyn Sinclair is truly a one of a kind author. You never know what she will come up with next, but you do know without a doubt that you will devour it. The Woman Of The Waves is maybe her best work yet. It’s intricate, it’s philosophical but then it’s laugh out loud funny too. Don’t be scared by the amount of pages, you’ll be turning them so fast you might even wish there were more than 700.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sister Madeleine travels from the US to the Scottish Orkney Island of Jorsay with her students when she saves a horse from drowning. In her attempt to save the animal, she ends up in the water herself. She is saved by what can only have been an angel. Years later Magdaleine is still bound to that voice that asked her to return. Return to Jorsay and meet her destiny. Once she arrives however, it’s not an angel she meets. Instead Madeleine runs into the most obnoxious, arrogant, rude but also extremely beautiful and hot woman she has ever met.
Haera is certain of one thing in life. She will be the first female stormhorse her Eachuisge herd of waterhorses has ever had. The only thing she needs to do it’s find a worthy human and devour him or her. Simple. Right. Haera only has to transform into her human form and forge a true bond with them. Her chosen human stirs all kinds of new feelings in Haera, though. Her Sister Madeleine might be almost too good to eat.
These characters feel very real, even if one of them is a horselike predator of the stormy seas. Madeleine might seem vulnerable but behind that veneer is an incredibly strong and competent woman. Whereas Haera believes she is the best, strongest and fastest, yet she discovers she has a very big soft spot for the creatures she loves.
The story is set on the fictional Orkney island of Jorsay. It seems rough and dark, but also welcoming and kind. The descriptive imagery is so good. I could hear the waves crashing, feel the biting wind on my face and smell the sheep poop on the farm.
I love seeing human customs through the eyes of Haera and her making them her own, like drinking cold tea with a dash of salt. Just perfect! It reminds me of that movie with the guy that lived his whole life in an apocalyptic cellar and has to get accustomed to all these new things. I much prefer this story though, it goes far beyond the platitudes of quirky human habits but truly explores what it means to be human. Haera’s relationship with Jonathan is another highlight of the story. This man is a gem and deserves his own book!
After meeting her angel Madeleine sees her familiar world slowly unraveling, questioning the truths she has been taught . Other people’s truths. She is discovering her own personal truth and and working hard to accept it. The guilt and shame of knowing you are different and wouldn’t be accepted by the community you grew up in is heartbreaking.
Roslyn Sinclair is truly a one of a kind author. You never know what she will come up with next, but you do know without a doubt that you will devour it. The Woman Of The Waves is maybe her best work yet. It’s intricate, it’s philosophical but then it’s laugh out loud funny too. Don’t be scared by the amount of pages, you’ll be turning them so fast you might even wish there were more than 700.
August 11, 2025
(rounded up from 3.5)
I finished this one pretty quickly and had to take a minute to work out why this one didn't really hit the way past Roslyn Sinclair books have hit for me, and it's because there is a lot of telling about Madeline and Haera's connection and not enough showing. Not the spicy parts, mind you. There's a LOT of lusting after each other but I can't say I genuinely believe in their connection aside from the fantasy part (the intended victim and the horse creature that intends to prey on them have some kind of siren lure between them) and the "six foot tall and super strong woman is hot" part.
Don't get me wrong, I love that Roslyn Sinclair is experimenting and trying out something completely different from her past work, and this is a pretty easy and quite engaging read, if a bit long. However, I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I felt some kind of emotional connection between the two main characters that I could latch on to as well. Honestly, I struggled with that throughout the book. I think there was legitimately some interesting content that gets skipped because what's cooler than a fantasy horse woman creature learning to read and interact with humans full time?
Anyway, fun and an easy read for me but drags a bit in parts and lacked that emotional connection for me.
I finished this one pretty quickly and had to take a minute to work out why this one didn't really hit the way past Roslyn Sinclair books have hit for me, and it's because there is a lot of telling about Madeline and Haera's connection and not enough showing. Not the spicy parts, mind you. There's a LOT of lusting after each other but I can't say I genuinely believe in their connection aside from the fantasy part (the intended victim and the horse creature that intends to prey on them have some kind of siren lure between them) and the "six foot tall and super strong woman is hot" part.
Don't get me wrong, I love that Roslyn Sinclair is experimenting and trying out something completely different from her past work, and this is a pretty easy and quite engaging read, if a bit long. However, I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I felt some kind of emotional connection between the two main characters that I could latch on to as well. Honestly, I struggled with that throughout the book. I think there was legitimately some interesting content that gets skipped because what's cooler than a fantasy horse woman creature learning to read and interact with humans full time?
Anyway, fun and an easy read for me but drags a bit in parts and lacked that emotional connection for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
(Disclaimer: I read an early draft of the book from the author, who is a friend of mine, and was provided an ARC. This is the first time I get to talk about it publicly, but every word of this review is honest and I’ve been bursting with them for a long time now!)
The Woman From The Waves is a hungry book, a riptide of a romance that mirrors the ocean itself: uncontrollable, propulsive, terrifying, and exhilarating, carrying both characters away from the selves they thought they were and delivering them to new shores entirely. Similarly, Roslyn Sinclair herself ventured into uncharted waters herself with this book, not that it’s particularly evident in her confident writing and masterful character work. While readers can expect many of the elements that Sinclair is famous for—a devastatingly slow burn, exploration of power dynamics, rich and deeply realized subplots, and some of her hottest sex scenes to date—TWFTW is Sinclair’s first foray into fantasy, which offered new opportunities for her as a writer. The length and structure of the book not only allowed her to dig deeper into all of the elements listed above, it also required extensive worldbuilding, mythology, and deep but delicate deconstructions of identity, faith, belief systems, and their various intersections. The result is her best book yet, with a love story that demanded and deserved every word on every page.
At the start of the book, Madeleine—a nun who’s found stability and security in that life, and has become very good at ignoring the little voice in her head telling her this isn’t the life for her—has a chance encounter with a creature she believes to be an angel while visiting the Orkney Islands. From that moment forward, there’s another voice in her head, calling to her, and she finds herself unable to drown either of these voices out any longer. She needs answers, and only her angel can give them to her.
But Hæra is no angel. Hæra is an Each-uisge, a creature of myth who is determined to become her herd’s first female Stormhorse and soar the skies rather than face the grim fate that faces her in the sea. She just needs to find a worthy human and devour them, and from the moment she sees Madeleine, she knows she’s found her answer.
Hæra’s experience of learning about humanity—first by choice, then by necessity—provides much of the book’s humor through her (somewhat literal) fish-out-of-water experience. Hæra, a creature of great ego with an initial disdain of humans (and most other non-Each-uisge species) and virtually no experience with healthy relationships adjusts to life on land with no small amount of discomfort and trial-and-error. She’s a well of curiosity, though, and eager to understand Madeleine first and foremost. Her literal approach to most aspects of human life and emotional connection offers a lot of funny moments, but also showcase a surprising—and, in some cases, heartbreaking—innocence and an increasing desire to connect with those around her in more meaningful ways. This complicates her secret and increasingly wavering intention to kill and devour Madeleine to become a Stormhorse, a plan that made perfect sense before she experienced deep love or human connection and serves as an escalating point of narrative tension.
Speaking of human connections: JONATHAN MY BELOVED!!! Jonathan, an older man from the island whose life was long ago devastated by his painful history with another Each-uisge, initially connects with Hæra by teaching her about humanity and ends up developing a beautiful found family dynamic with her. Without Jonathan’s years of teaching her not only how to fit into the world but also unlocking her ability to love beyond a desire to possess, Hæra’s relationship with Madeleine—fated as it may be—would have taken a very different trajectory and been a much rockier journey. I also won’t spoil, but the details of Jonathan’s history with another Each-uisgeis threaded throughout the book, and is easily my favorite subplot; it’s tragic and heart-wrenching and so, so good.
I could talk at length about the sheer heat level of this book and I know that others will! Anyone who’s read Sinclair’s work before won’t need to be told that almost no one does slow-burn to high-heat as well as she does. Throw in a deeply possessive creature from the depths whose entire purpose in life is to literally devour a repressed and very recently ex-nun that she’s claimed for herself, two separate and jarring sexual awakenings, and years worth of tension coming to explosive fruition—it’s everything you’d expect and more.
Inherently, TWFTW grapples with faith on every page. Madeleine’s complicated relationship with Catholicism, her own lesbianism, and her fearful but determined commitment to exploring both is treated with such care and generosity. As she sets out in search of answers, her faith is challenged in ways she could never have imagined; at the core of her journey, though, is not rejection of all she’s ever believed, but instead a reshaping of it to fit comfortably within herself and her values in contrast to her lifelong efforts to contort herself into a belief system and way of life that was too small and chafed at her. Given the magnitude of the topic and the esoteric questions that loom large, Sinclair does a tremendous job sticking the landing, so to speak, in moving the characters—especially Madeleine—onto solid ground and an acceptance of the answers available to them, and those that aren’t.
Of all of Sinclair’s works, TWFTW delivers (in my opinion) her greatest love story yet. Both Hæra and Madeleine know they’re desperately seeking something important, something so essential that they separately leave behind all they’ve ever known at tremendous cost in search of it. Madeleine needs answers, and Hæra needs freedom, and they both come to understand very quickly that those things lie in each other. For all that they’ve upended their own worlds, though, the initial paths they’ve set out on are more like rickety bridges running parallel, high above a violent sea. They’re moving towards each other, but they only truly find themselves and each other—along with everything they've been searching for—when they meet in the middle and choose to take the leap into the depths below, only to surface, together, as something entirely new.
The Woman From The Waves is a hungry book, a riptide of a romance that mirrors the ocean itself: uncontrollable, propulsive, terrifying, and exhilarating, carrying both characters away from the selves they thought they were and delivering them to new shores entirely. Similarly, Roslyn Sinclair herself ventured into uncharted waters herself with this book, not that it’s particularly evident in her confident writing and masterful character work. While readers can expect many of the elements that Sinclair is famous for—a devastatingly slow burn, exploration of power dynamics, rich and deeply realized subplots, and some of her hottest sex scenes to date—TWFTW is Sinclair’s first foray into fantasy, which offered new opportunities for her as a writer. The length and structure of the book not only allowed her to dig deeper into all of the elements listed above, it also required extensive worldbuilding, mythology, and deep but delicate deconstructions of identity, faith, belief systems, and their various intersections. The result is her best book yet, with a love story that demanded and deserved every word on every page.
At the start of the book, Madeleine—a nun who’s found stability and security in that life, and has become very good at ignoring the little voice in her head telling her this isn’t the life for her—has a chance encounter with a creature she believes to be an angel while visiting the Orkney Islands. From that moment forward, there’s another voice in her head, calling to her, and she finds herself unable to drown either of these voices out any longer. She needs answers, and only her angel can give them to her.
But Hæra is no angel. Hæra is an Each-uisge, a creature of myth who is determined to become her herd’s first female Stormhorse and soar the skies rather than face the grim fate that faces her in the sea. She just needs to find a worthy human and devour them, and from the moment she sees Madeleine, she knows she’s found her answer.
Hæra’s experience of learning about humanity—first by choice, then by necessity—provides much of the book’s humor through her (somewhat literal) fish-out-of-water experience. Hæra, a creature of great ego with an initial disdain of humans (and most other non-Each-uisge species) and virtually no experience with healthy relationships adjusts to life on land with no small amount of discomfort and trial-and-error. She’s a well of curiosity, though, and eager to understand Madeleine first and foremost. Her literal approach to most aspects of human life and emotional connection offers a lot of funny moments, but also showcase a surprising—and, in some cases, heartbreaking—innocence and an increasing desire to connect with those around her in more meaningful ways. This complicates her secret and increasingly wavering intention to kill and devour Madeleine to become a Stormhorse, a plan that made perfect sense before she experienced deep love or human connection and serves as an escalating point of narrative tension.
Speaking of human connections: JONATHAN MY BELOVED!!! Jonathan, an older man from the island whose life was long ago devastated by his painful history with another Each-uisge, initially connects with Hæra by teaching her about humanity and ends up developing a beautiful found family dynamic with her. Without Jonathan’s years of teaching her not only how to fit into the world but also unlocking her ability to love beyond a desire to possess, Hæra’s relationship with Madeleine—fated as it may be—would have taken a very different trajectory and been a much rockier journey. I also won’t spoil, but the details of Jonathan’s history with another Each-uisgeis threaded throughout the book, and is easily my favorite subplot; it’s tragic and heart-wrenching and so, so good.
I could talk at length about the sheer heat level of this book and I know that others will! Anyone who’s read Sinclair’s work before won’t need to be told that almost no one does slow-burn to high-heat as well as she does. Throw in a deeply possessive creature from the depths whose entire purpose in life is to literally devour a repressed and very recently ex-nun that she’s claimed for herself, two separate and jarring sexual awakenings, and years worth of tension coming to explosive fruition—it’s everything you’d expect and more.
Inherently, TWFTW grapples with faith on every page. Madeleine’s complicated relationship with Catholicism, her own lesbianism, and her fearful but determined commitment to exploring both is treated with such care and generosity. As she sets out in search of answers, her faith is challenged in ways she could never have imagined; at the core of her journey, though, is not rejection of all she’s ever believed, but instead a reshaping of it to fit comfortably within herself and her values in contrast to her lifelong efforts to contort herself into a belief system and way of life that was too small and chafed at her. Given the magnitude of the topic and the esoteric questions that loom large, Sinclair does a tremendous job sticking the landing, so to speak, in moving the characters—especially Madeleine—onto solid ground and an acceptance of the answers available to them, and those that aren’t.
Of all of Sinclair’s works, TWFTW delivers (in my opinion) her greatest love story yet. Both Hæra and Madeleine know they’re desperately seeking something important, something so essential that they separately leave behind all they’ve ever known at tremendous cost in search of it. Madeleine needs answers, and Hæra needs freedom, and they both come to understand very quickly that those things lie in each other. For all that they’ve upended their own worlds, though, the initial paths they’ve set out on are more like rickety bridges running parallel, high above a violent sea. They’re moving towards each other, but they only truly find themselves and each other—along with everything they've been searching for—when they meet in the middle and choose to take the leap into the depths below, only to surface, together, as something entirely new.
June 17, 2025
Incredible.
I loved this read so much. I was hooked, the length never even bothered me because I was so engrossed in this world. In fact, it served to create a deeper connection with each character. I was truly rooting for different people as individuals as well as the romance.
I loved the exploration of religion, what it means to individuals, how it shapes communities and lives. The struggles with religion and freeing yourself from rules and guilt. I loved the dive into folklore. Roslyn Sinclair painted this supernatural world with such care. I really enjoyed how thought out the details were- separate religions, customs, goals and abilities. Also added some humour with things like ‘sharkshite’ instead of bullshit etc. I was impressed with both the research and writing.
Perhaps most of all, I loved that it was set in Scotland! The beauty of the Orkney islands is truly captured (including the fact that it’s constantly ‘blowing a hooley’), even down to the eeriness and wonder of the North Sea. I would’ve liked some more Scottish dialogue but I understand why there isn’t and I still enjoyed what we got. I can’t tell you how my wee heart soared at Jonathan affectionately calling Hæra ‘lass’ 😂.
I won’t go too much into the story or the characters but they really are amazing. I loved (yes clearly I loved a lot about this book) both Hæra and Madeleine as individuals discovering themselves in addition to them as the romantic storyline. Hæra is so strong and unapologetic in her desires. Madeleine has faced such trauma and still fights to find her true happiness. Ugh and my wee Jonathan. What a kind and tortured soul. This book filled me with platonic and romantic love. The chemistry between the two mains is electric throughout the entire book and the spice…I mean it’s Roslyn Sinclair. Come on. You know what to expect 😉
Overall, a deep and winding love story. A connection that endures over distance and time. Sprinkled with humour, mystery and the ever encompassing search for meaning and purpose. Read it, read it, read it!
Whits fur ye’ll no go by ye ✨
I loved this read so much. I was hooked, the length never even bothered me because I was so engrossed in this world. In fact, it served to create a deeper connection with each character. I was truly rooting for different people as individuals as well as the romance.
I loved the exploration of religion, what it means to individuals, how it shapes communities and lives. The struggles with religion and freeing yourself from rules and guilt. I loved the dive into folklore. Roslyn Sinclair painted this supernatural world with such care. I really enjoyed how thought out the details were- separate religions, customs, goals and abilities. Also added some humour with things like ‘sharkshite’ instead of bullshit etc. I was impressed with both the research and writing.
Perhaps most of all, I loved that it was set in Scotland! The beauty of the Orkney islands is truly captured (including the fact that it’s constantly ‘blowing a hooley’), even down to the eeriness and wonder of the North Sea. I would’ve liked some more Scottish dialogue but I understand why there isn’t and I still enjoyed what we got. I can’t tell you how my wee heart soared at Jonathan affectionately calling Hæra ‘lass’ 😂.
I won’t go too much into the story or the characters but they really are amazing. I loved (yes clearly I loved a lot about this book) both Hæra and Madeleine as individuals discovering themselves in addition to them as the romantic storyline. Hæra is so strong and unapologetic in her desires. Madeleine has faced such trauma and still fights to find her true happiness. Ugh and my wee Jonathan. What a kind and tortured soul. This book filled me with platonic and romantic love. The chemistry between the two mains is electric throughout the entire book and the spice…I mean it’s Roslyn Sinclair. Come on. You know what to expect 😉
Overall, a deep and winding love story. A connection that endures over distance and time. Sprinkled with humour, mystery and the ever encompassing search for meaning and purpose. Read it, read it, read it!
Whits fur ye’ll no go by ye ✨
Read
October 12, 2025DNF @ page 36.
When I found out that this story was set on Orkney, I had to read this. Plus, mermaids? Count me in! But unfortunately this one was a fast DNF for me. Not only is the prologue confusing, the first two chapters also have no suspense. According to my Kindle, this book is 633 pages long. That’s wild! More pages mean more money, right? Where is this story supposed to be heading? Is this for romance readers? Erotica readers? Fantasy lovers? I guess nobody knows. 🤷♀️ Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody unless they really couldn’t find any other lesbian stories to read on KU.
When I found out that this story was set on Orkney, I had to read this. Plus, mermaids? Count me in! But unfortunately this one was a fast DNF for me. Not only is the prologue confusing, the first two chapters also have no suspense. According to my Kindle, this book is 633 pages long. That’s wild! More pages mean more money, right? Where is this story supposed to be heading? Is this for romance readers? Erotica readers? Fantasy lovers? I guess nobody knows. 🤷♀️ Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody unless they really couldn’t find any other lesbian stories to read on KU.
June 30, 2025
“Life is very hard,” she said. “But there are pleasures too. We’ve got rainbows, haven’t we?”
I feel like the plethora of notes & highlights + the 5 star rating say enough about how much I loved this book.
I feel like the plethora of notes & highlights + the 5 star rating say enough about how much I loved this book.
July 6, 2025
this was too long and clearly written for horse girls
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