What do you think?
Rate this book
Je T'aime, Actually
Two women. One unexpected connection. A love that refuses to be confined by distance.
Monroe Carpenter went to France to clear her head and forget about love—she never expected to find it on the plane home. Seated next to Chloé St. Martin—elegant, magnetic, and utterly unforgettable—Monroe experiences a spark that quickly grows into something deeper.
What begins as an easy, unassuming conversation turns into a date, a holiday romance, and before either of them realizes it, a quiet certainty that they both want more.
But with Monroe in England and Chloé in France, keeping their connection alive is no simple task. When a family crisis pulls Monroe home, miles stretch between them once more, testing their patience, commitment, and hearts. Can a love like theirs survive distance, complications, and the risk of heartbreak?
Steamy, heartfelt, and irresistibly romantic, Je T’Aime, Actually is a slow-burn sapphic romance perfect for fans of long-distance lesbian love stories, contemporary sapphic romance, second-chance love, and strong, unforgettable female characters.
Monroe Carpenter went to France to clear her head and forget about love—she never expected to find it on the plane home. Seated next to Chloé St. Martin—elegant, magnetic, and utterly unforgettable—Monroe experiences a spark that quickly grows into something deeper.
What begins as an easy, unassuming conversation turns into a date, a holiday romance, and before either of them realizes it, a quiet certainty that they both want more.
But with Monroe in England and Chloé in France, keeping their connection alive is no simple task. When a family crisis pulls Monroe home, miles stretch between them once more, testing their patience, commitment, and hearts. Can a love like theirs survive distance, complications, and the risk of heartbreak?
Steamy, heartfelt, and irresistibly romantic, Je T’Aime, Actually is a slow-burn sapphic romance perfect for fans of long-distance lesbian love stories, contemporary sapphic romance, second-chance love, and strong, unforgettable female characters.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
74 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books362 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 24, 2025
I absolutely, LOVED this book.
I was completely invested in their story right from the moment they met. They came across as sincere, real, honest.
It’s rare to find books where the characters communicate and are vulnerable with one another. The issues that occur with Monroe and Chloé aren’t fabricated to stir up drama; they are legitimate concerns/problems that the MCs are forced to deal with or lose one another.
Je T’aime, Actually feels genuine. The characters are passionate, sensual and downright sexy. I highly recommend ❤️
I was completely invested in their story right from the moment they met. They came across as sincere, real, honest.
It’s rare to find books where the characters communicate and are vulnerable with one another. The issues that occur with Monroe and Chloé aren’t fabricated to stir up drama; they are legitimate concerns/problems that the MCs are forced to deal with or lose one another.
Je T’aime, Actually feels genuine. The characters are passionate, sensual and downright sexy. I highly recommend ❤️
November 9, 2025
They meet on a flight and then can't get enough of each other. Chloe owns a publishing house in France. Monroe is an accountant from a sleepy English village.
I appreciated the occassional French phrasing (alongside my kindle translator) and who doesn't love an accent?
The chapters are very short which only encourages the reader on.
The 'drama' mostly centres on them exploring their relationship and life.
As you'd expect from this author it's not slow burn and wee bit spicy.
I also liked this type of writing style which just seemed to flow at such a natural pace.
Overall it's a high quality, enjoyably simple love story.
I appreciated the occassional French phrasing (alongside my kindle translator) and who doesn't love an accent?
The chapters are very short which only encourages the reader on.
The 'drama' mostly centres on them exploring their relationship and life.
As you'd expect from this author it's not slow burn and wee bit spicy.
I also liked this type of writing style which just seemed to flow at such a natural pace.
Overall it's a high quality, enjoyably simple love story.
October 30, 2025
4,5 ⭐️
September 20, 2025
✨Just when Monroe Carpenter thinks her love life is down the toilet... along comes the beautiful, sophisticated French Chloé St Martin 💋
Two chance encounters with the stunning French woman whilst at the airport on her way home to England, makes Monroe wonder if The Fates are telling her something?.
When she takes a chance on starting a long distance relationship with Chloé, she finds herself falling faster than she expected.. Chloé is exactly what she needs after her Ex.
She's the calm and honesty she's been craving. Don't go thinking this makes the story boring! Plus there's spice 🤪🤪
They start to build a life that works for them...Spending weeks at time in each other's homes...Meeting friendship groups..and fast becoming each other's support system in work or life in general.
That's not to say there aren't some wobbles along the way in the form of Chloés business, Monroe's work and the made family Monroe has built for herself with best friend Poppy and Poppy's family.
For me one of the best relationships to come out of this, next to Monroe & Chloé's obviously! Is between Chloé and Poppy's oldest child Benji 🥰. There's a lot of interaction with Kitty, the youngest of Poppy & Franks kids but Benji comes shining through when a tragic accident happens pulling Monroe back from France and Chloé gets to show her what's more important in her life, work or Monroe.
I love the flow of this book.. it even had me reading it slowly and calmly... Just like characters personalities which seem to project themselves from the pages...it's tentative & not rushed.
And that just showcases how amazing Claire Highton-Stevenson's writing skills are!.
Moments that made me laugh out loud
✨“Mm,” Chloé said, tilting her head. “You don’t strike me as someone who causes trouble.”
Monroe gave a small snort. “You haven’t seen my browser history.”
Made me laugh 😂😂
✨“Gladly.” Chloé took it, brushing their hands as she did. “Though, I should warn you, I can be clumsy with wet stuff.” “I’ll live dangerously"
I bloody love this cover!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Two chance encounters with the stunning French woman whilst at the airport on her way home to England, makes Monroe wonder if The Fates are telling her something?.
When she takes a chance on starting a long distance relationship with Chloé, she finds herself falling faster than she expected.. Chloé is exactly what she needs after her Ex.
She's the calm and honesty she's been craving. Don't go thinking this makes the story boring! Plus there's spice 🤪🤪
They start to build a life that works for them...Spending weeks at time in each other's homes...Meeting friendship groups..and fast becoming each other's support system in work or life in general.
That's not to say there aren't some wobbles along the way in the form of Chloés business, Monroe's work and the made family Monroe has built for herself with best friend Poppy and Poppy's family.
For me one of the best relationships to come out of this, next to Monroe & Chloé's obviously! Is between Chloé and Poppy's oldest child Benji 🥰. There's a lot of interaction with Kitty, the youngest of Poppy & Franks kids but Benji comes shining through when a tragic accident happens pulling Monroe back from France and Chloé gets to show her what's more important in her life, work or Monroe.
I love the flow of this book.. it even had me reading it slowly and calmly... Just like characters personalities which seem to project themselves from the pages...it's tentative & not rushed.
And that just showcases how amazing Claire Highton-Stevenson's writing skills are!.
Moments that made me laugh out loud
✨“Mm,” Chloé said, tilting her head. “You don’t strike me as someone who causes trouble.”
Monroe gave a small snort. “You haven’t seen my browser history.”
Made me laugh 😂😂
✨“Gladly.” Chloé took it, brushing their hands as she did. “Though, I should warn you, I can be clumsy with wet stuff.” “I’ll live dangerously"
I bloody love this cover!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 25, 2025
Je T’aime, Actually To Claire Highton-Stevenson
I truly do love this writer. I have most of Claire’s books especially her earlier work and the comparison then to now is astounding. Please readers out there, if you are looking at this book, go for it. Then after you read it, try her past books. You too will fall in love with this writer. This book was so simple, take a chance. Monroe sitting in airport, on her way home from France after trying to clear her head on a lone vacation away from her broken heart. Approached by a beautiful French woman, Chloe’ who asked to sit near her, heading to England for business. As they engage in small talk, a spark is formed. When Chloe’ finds out she will be close to where Monroe lives, she asks her to have a drink with her while she is there. Monroe agrees and gives Chloe’ her number. Simple right. You learn so much about Monroe & Chloe’ but the best of these two is what is behind them. For Monroe, it is a best friend, her husband and their two kids especially Kitty. For Chloe, her friend she is staying with and her employees at her small publishing company in France. The story that Claire lays out is so addicting and the supporting cast adds so much depth to the connection these two feel right away. It is exciting, funny, lovable with loyalty and honesty instilled but not without its faults and trauma. It is a wonderful story of love all around.
I truly do love this writer. I have most of Claire’s books especially her earlier work and the comparison then to now is astounding. Please readers out there, if you are looking at this book, go for it. Then after you read it, try her past books. You too will fall in love with this writer. This book was so simple, take a chance. Monroe sitting in airport, on her way home from France after trying to clear her head on a lone vacation away from her broken heart. Approached by a beautiful French woman, Chloe’ who asked to sit near her, heading to England for business. As they engage in small talk, a spark is formed. When Chloe’ finds out she will be close to where Monroe lives, she asks her to have a drink with her while she is there. Monroe agrees and gives Chloe’ her number. Simple right. You learn so much about Monroe & Chloe’ but the best of these two is what is behind them. For Monroe, it is a best friend, her husband and their two kids especially Kitty. For Chloe, her friend she is staying with and her employees at her small publishing company in France. The story that Claire lays out is so addicting and the supporting cast adds so much depth to the connection these two feel right away. It is exciting, funny, lovable with loyalty and honesty instilled but not without its faults and trauma. It is a wonderful story of love all around.
October 20, 2025
I absolutely LOVE this book! Monroe is flying back to England from France when while waiting for her flight,enjoying a glass of wine, she meets Chloe's St. John . They have a wonderful connection then find they're seat mates on the plane. They exchange phone numbers. They meet up in England.
This is a wonderful, sophisticated loving, love story, with plenty of steamy scenes. This is definitely A FAVORITE!! 5 stars!!
This is a wonderful, sophisticated loving, love story, with plenty of steamy scenes. This is definitely A FAVORITE!! 5 stars!!
October 19, 2025
fun, fun, fun
This light hearted look at love & distance is delightful. Of course there are a few twists & turns along the way.
This light hearted look at love & distance is delightful. Of course there are a few twists & turns along the way.
October 17, 2025
beautiful
Really great feel good story.
A few ups and downs, but overall fantastic.
The things you do for love eh…
Really great feel good story.
A few ups and downs, but overall fantastic.
The things you do for love eh…
October 8, 2025
Sweet and Steamy
What are the chances of meeting “your person”, “the one”, your HEA, in a crowded airport? Much better than either Monroe or Chloe would have thought, and the rest of “Je T’aime, Actually” chronicles their developing relationship. The book is a tale of two countries - presenting the first obstacle for the two ladies, as Monroe lives in the UK and Chloe lives in France. Add to that, the challenges of a floundering business, an extreme family health emergency, and plain old communication! The story zeroes in on flexibility, empathy, selflessness, resilience, and plain old communication as keys to a successful relationship. “Je T’aime, Actually” is a really enjoyable story, with likable characters finding their way through the real ups, downs, and dramas of life. And, oh - the steamy parts are plentiful, and, well … steamy!
What are the chances of meeting “your person”, “the one”, your HEA, in a crowded airport? Much better than either Monroe or Chloe would have thought, and the rest of “Je T’aime, Actually” chronicles their developing relationship. The book is a tale of two countries - presenting the first obstacle for the two ladies, as Monroe lives in the UK and Chloe lives in France. Add to that, the challenges of a floundering business, an extreme family health emergency, and plain old communication! The story zeroes in on flexibility, empathy, selflessness, resilience, and plain old communication as keys to a successful relationship. “Je T’aime, Actually” is a really enjoyable story, with likable characters finding their way through the real ups, downs, and dramas of life. And, oh - the steamy parts are plentiful, and, well … steamy!
October 12, 2025
Another amazing book
This story is just what I like. A lot of small chapters that continue the story. Monroe and Chloe is the true definition of an organic relationship. They could not help but to fall for each other. I felt like it was kismit. Claire out another great book. I definitely recommend this one along with her others. Worth the read.
This story is just what I like. A lot of small chapters that continue the story. Monroe and Chloe is the true definition of an organic relationship. They could not help but to fall for each other. I felt like it was kismit. Claire out another great book. I definitely recommend this one along with her others. Worth the read.
October 7, 2025
I think this is one of Claire's best tales. The language , the communication, the growing closer and the distance. A gorgeous read
November 24, 2025
It was good until about 71%. It was a sweet story about letting go of a sheltered life, alone, to risk love again; with - bonus - nice and meaningful sex scenes.
The story was basically wrapped up, but then it shifted to an external drama that felt like a filler.
The relationship between Monroe and Poppy’s family is weird; it’s as if she’s living vicariously through them. Don’t they have their own relatives? Potentially four grandparents, plus aunts and uncles?
Chloé sacrifices her life’s work (I don’t see how the head of a small publishing house can work remotely) for a family that isn’t even Monroe’s.
Overall still an ok, easy read.
P.S. Really not a fan of “Monroe” as a first name. And I could have done without the nine-year-old boy's point of view popping up out of nowhere: not his story.
The story was basically wrapped up, but then it shifted to an external drama that felt like a filler.
The relationship between Monroe and Poppy’s family is weird; it’s as if she’s living vicariously through them. Don’t they have their own relatives? Potentially four grandparents, plus aunts and uncles?
Chloé sacrifices her life’s work (I don’t see how the head of a small publishing house can work remotely) for a family that isn’t even Monroe’s.
Overall still an ok, easy read.
P.S. Really not a fan of “Monroe” as a first name. And I could have done without the nine-year-old boy's point of view popping up out of nowhere: not his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
I really loved this book. It is a beautiful love story, made even better by how real and relatable it feels. Love alone is not always enough; you have to work for it and you have to communicate. Monroe and Chloe did exactly that, making space for each other and putting in the effort, which made their story all the more powerful. This book had me smiling almost the whole way through and even brought a few tears to my eyes. Another fantastic read from CHS!
September 21, 2025
Better and Better
I have read a lot of Claire’s books and each one is a very special story that makes you fall in love with her characters. But I have to say Monroe and Claire have became my new favorites. This is not just some simple love story, it is a story of love and family and working to find the best way to make their own lives better. Their relationship is mature and caring and very spicy which I always expect in Claire’s books! If you haven’t read anything else by Claire-pick this and then go through her library and pick a few more! I promise you won’t be disappointed! 5 🌟
I have read a lot of Claire’s books and each one is a very special story that makes you fall in love with her characters. But I have to say Monroe and Claire have became my new favorites. This is not just some simple love story, it is a story of love and family and working to find the best way to make their own lives better. Their relationship is mature and caring and very spicy which I always expect in Claire’s books! If you haven’t read anything else by Claire-pick this and then go through her library and pick a few more! I promise you won’t be disappointed! 5 🌟
September 17, 2025
Falling, Loving, Living Together
I have read most, if not all the books by this author, and while I liked some more than others, I have enjoyed them all. I highly recommend this author. This story was delicious, like biting into a chocolate croissant. Monroe &Chloe are two women who seem to be around the same age who embrace a connection they feel from a brief meeting and we read about them falling, loving, and actually trying to live life together. Passion and spice were prevalent throughout the story and at times was so hot, I wished my parter was home so I could ravish her lol, which I intend to do later. Read this book because its good, try the authors other books as well. And maybe eat a pastry or two :)
I have read most, if not all the books by this author, and while I liked some more than others, I have enjoyed them all. I highly recommend this author. This story was delicious, like biting into a chocolate croissant. Monroe &Chloe are two women who seem to be around the same age who embrace a connection they feel from a brief meeting and we read about them falling, loving, and actually trying to live life together. Passion and spice were prevalent throughout the story and at times was so hot, I wished my parter was home so I could ravish her lol, which I intend to do later. Read this book because its good, try the authors other books as well. And maybe eat a pastry or two :)
September 21, 2025
The focus in the book really was on the relationship between Chloe and Monroe. The commitment and compromises to make the relationship work. The book explores both small and large adjustments couples often have to make.
September 16, 2025
Loved every word!!
Claire has done it again! How she is able to create such moving stories that are so different from each other time and time again is beyond me, but I'm not complaining... as always, I'm left begging for more!!
Claire has done it again! How she is able to create such moving stories that are so different from each other time and time again is beyond me, but I'm not complaining... as always, I'm left begging for more!!
September 16, 2025
So good. The anticipation was more than worth the wait. Hands down one of Claire’s best books yet. Monroe and Chloe show what True Romance is. Highly recommend reading.
I also recommend making sure to have enough time to read because you won’t want to put it down.
I also recommend making sure to have enough time to read because you won’t want to put it down.
September 25, 2025
Monroe Carpenter is returning home from France when she meets Chloe St Martin, and they hit it off on the plane to England. They both realize the other is gay, and in talking realize they'll be close by, so Chloe suggests they meet for drinks later.
(Both are dealing with breakups, Monroe with the lying Justine, Chloe with the unreliable Anais.)
They go out several times, but Chloe is only there for a week. Monroe goes to visit her in France and they finally sleep together. As she works from home Monroe decides to move.. but are they rushing things?
1 like how this book takes on after the traditional Happily Ever After. We see them figuring out how to fit their lives together, which a lot of books don't do.
4 out of 5 stars, solidly good.
(Both are dealing with breakups, Monroe with the lying Justine, Chloe with the unreliable Anais.)
They go out several times, but Chloe is only there for a week. Monroe goes to visit her in France and they finally sleep together. As she works from home Monroe decides to move.. but are they rushing things?
1 like how this book takes on after the traditional Happily Ever After. We see them figuring out how to fit their lives together, which a lot of books don't do.
4 out of 5 stars, solidly good.
December 17, 2025
I found this to be boring.The author knows how to write steamy and intimate scenes really well but, it was not enough to make me fall in love with these two main characters. The arguments were petty and happened way too soon into the relationship. Example, something about not salting the pot of water enough after the other person prepared dinner. Also, there was no discussion about their families. Did they have siblings? parents? relatives? Chloe had a friend mentioned at the beginning but that was it. Monroe and her friend poppy’s family were sweet but then it went into them too much. I wasn’t sure why it went so deep into their family dynamic and event. Not my fav by this author.
I still love scarlett fever series the best! One of my favorites in general.
I still love scarlett fever series the best! One of my favorites in general.
October 21, 2025
Holy smokes this is one heck of a steamy love story!
Claire Highton-Stevenson has blessed us with one very very heated love story full of angst, laughter and tears! It really has it all. The sweetest slow development of love, sexy scenes are aplenty and written beautifully. A deep fulfilling love covering England and France. I swooned constantly! This really is a delightful love story.
Claire Highton-Stevenson has blessed us with one very very heated love story full of angst, laughter and tears! It really has it all. The sweetest slow development of love, sexy scenes are aplenty and written beautifully. A deep fulfilling love covering England and France. I swooned constantly! This really is a delightful love story.
Read
September 23, 2025Merci beaucoup Claire pour cette belle histoire. I loved that it was so true to life. Sometimes the stories we read are just too good to be true. The doubts Monroe expressed were so understandable, so when reading I was rooting for their relationship to succeed. Hopefully we will hear more from Chloe and Monroe in the future?
December 9, 2025
fun read
Fun Halmark romantic read. Love Claire’s books they read quick and are sprinkled with decent advice or life experiences. Recommend to anyone reading the reviews.
Fun Halmark romantic read. Love Claire’s books they read quick and are sprinkled with decent advice or life experiences. Recommend to anyone reading the reviews.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews