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Sea Glass
When no-strings could be the thread to hold the broken pieces together…
“Not relationship material” is a line Max Winslow has heard before and has come to believe. Not wanting to be labelled neatly means that Max doesn’t make long-lasting connections. Every time they’ve tried, they’ve ended up hurt. So swearing off relationships seems the best course of action to protect their heart.
Recovering from heartbreak and humiliation, Madeline Sinclair reserves her astute judgment for business instead of pleasure. With an ex-wife who left her broken, Madeline has given up on relationships. But physical needs must still be met, and the snarky, no-nonsense florist who just wants no-strings fun seems like the perfect solution.
At least until Max and Madeline realise they have more in common than just unbelievable chemistry. The connection between them is undeniable, and as their defences fall one by one, they find themselves falling as well.
But when ghosts from their pasts refuse to stay there, they face the threat of unravelling. Max and Madeline must navigate their scars—together—to find a path through it and come out the other side stronger than ever.
“Not relationship material” is a line Max Winslow has heard before and has come to believe. Not wanting to be labelled neatly means that Max doesn’t make long-lasting connections. Every time they’ve tried, they’ve ended up hurt. So swearing off relationships seems the best course of action to protect their heart.
Recovering from heartbreak and humiliation, Madeline Sinclair reserves her astute judgment for business instead of pleasure. With an ex-wife who left her broken, Madeline has given up on relationships. But physical needs must still be met, and the snarky, no-nonsense florist who just wants no-strings fun seems like the perfect solution.
At least until Max and Madeline realise they have more in common than just unbelievable chemistry. The connection between them is undeniable, and as their defences fall one by one, they find themselves falling as well.
But when ghosts from their pasts refuse to stay there, they face the threat of unravelling. Max and Madeline must navigate their scars—together—to find a path through it and come out the other side stronger than ever.
- GenresLesbian
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
12 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 21, 2025
Heartwarmingly emotional romance
Max and Madeline have both sworn off the whole relationship thing after traumatic experiences with past partners. Hooking up seems safe, but they develop a connection beyond that neither of them expected. As the lines start to blur, their vulnerabilities surface and they have to decide if they can get through their past ghosts turning up to get the happiness they both deserve.
Max and Madeline’s story started with all the excitement and fun of a whirlwind meeting and electric connection. They had undeniable chemistry but because of who they were and their experiences they were both in denial. Their friends kept telling them so, especially with all the time they were spending together that made for some funny and some meaningful conversations throughout. They quickly had me in love with the idea of them being in love and the more we learned about them the more I willed them to just give in.
What was so great was all the insights into their pasts. Ami built such emotion and clarity into what they shared that it was easy to empathise with what Max and Madeline had been through. I really misjudged Max, thinking Max was strong and tough compared to emotional wreck Madeline seemed to be on the inside, but Max also had the same vulnerabilities and a sentimental streak that was unforgettable. When they opened up to one another about what was really going on and their struggles, they each had each other’s back in the best way. I knew they’d have a strong relationship from that point on, built on more than just an amazing attraction.
Loved every second of this and cannot recommend it enough!
Max and Madeline have both sworn off the whole relationship thing after traumatic experiences with past partners. Hooking up seems safe, but they develop a connection beyond that neither of them expected. As the lines start to blur, their vulnerabilities surface and they have to decide if they can get through their past ghosts turning up to get the happiness they both deserve.
Max and Madeline’s story started with all the excitement and fun of a whirlwind meeting and electric connection. They had undeniable chemistry but because of who they were and their experiences they were both in denial. Their friends kept telling them so, especially with all the time they were spending together that made for some funny and some meaningful conversations throughout. They quickly had me in love with the idea of them being in love and the more we learned about them the more I willed them to just give in.
What was so great was all the insights into their pasts. Ami built such emotion and clarity into what they shared that it was easy to empathise with what Max and Madeline had been through. I really misjudged Max, thinking Max was strong and tough compared to emotional wreck Madeline seemed to be on the inside, but Max also had the same vulnerabilities and a sentimental streak that was unforgettable. When they opened up to one another about what was really going on and their struggles, they each had each other’s back in the best way. I knew they’d have a strong relationship from that point on, built on more than just an amazing attraction.
Loved every second of this and cannot recommend it enough!
September 27, 2025
What a beautiful story!! If you are looking for all the feels then Sea Glass absolutely delivers! Ami’s stories keep surpassing my expectations in the best ways.
Max and Madeline so much alike yet so very different. Both have trauma especially associated with past relationships and have found a way to move on, one being no strings one nights. Their chemistry and ease during their first (second ;)) meeting leads to a mutually beneficial arrangement. No feels involved. Well we all know how that goes ;).
I loved seeing Debs and Sienna again and was also pleasantly surprised to see Mica, Grace and Bobby as well! Wonder who the next book will be about…I’m thinking maybe Kyra?! I’d so love to see Maddie and Max as prominent side characters and get additional lovely glimpses into their hea.
Highly recommend!!!
Max and Madeline so much alike yet so very different. Both have trauma especially associated with past relationships and have found a way to move on, one being no strings one nights. Their chemistry and ease during their first (second ;)) meeting leads to a mutually beneficial arrangement. No feels involved. Well we all know how that goes ;).
I loved seeing Debs and Sienna again and was also pleasantly surprised to see Mica, Grace and Bobby as well! Wonder who the next book will be about…I’m thinking maybe Kyra?! I’d so love to see Maddie and Max as prominent side characters and get additional lovely glimpses into their hea.
Highly recommend!!!
September 5, 2025
Max was an interesting character already in Secure Attachment as Sienna’s very supportive best friend. When getting a chance to get to know them better in this book I was intrigued from the start. As in all books written by this author you know the writing is great and that you will get your fill of complex characters and an emotional rollercoaster but always also mature personal growth and so much love and support from loved ones. This book was by far the best book I have ever read with a gender fluid character. My understanding and compassion for someone going through that struggle has now increased immensely and I am so thankful for getting the chance to read something this powerful.
Max and Madeline meet via a dating app for a casual hook-up. None of them think they are worthy of anything more than that after their past relationships that broke them, they no longer think they are worthy of love. Max thinks nobody will ever understand their gender fluidity and dysphoria, will never be able to love someone like them that do not even know themselves who they are. Madeline is equally broken after a marriage where she was told she was worth nothing, nobody else will ever want her.
Initially just a hot hook-up, but they decide to move to a regular thing as friends with benefits, an arrangement to avoid other awkward encounters. Clear at once that Madeline is not judging Max for being fluid, she likes them in any form they present. Max have found peace in their own fluidity, but this is the first time that they find a partner that can accept them like they are. Sienna on the other hand realizes that Max do not see her as broken, do not make her feel less worthy. The sex is amazing and that is how they get to know each other but soon clear that there is so much more than that between them. They are treating each other with care and consideration, so different from their past relationships.
Can they be more than friends with benefits, are they prepared to risk getting hurt again by admitting that to themselves, prepared to start a new relationship. They are so amazing together and while reading you wonder how this can ever not be an amazing love story with only one outcome, a HEA. Then things from the past pop up and it gets so complicated, so much to process and move past. That part of the story is so powerful and hurting your heart but also needed for them to process to be able to move past that to something amazing.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Max and Madeline meet via a dating app for a casual hook-up. None of them think they are worthy of anything more than that after their past relationships that broke them, they no longer think they are worthy of love. Max thinks nobody will ever understand their gender fluidity and dysphoria, will never be able to love someone like them that do not even know themselves who they are. Madeline is equally broken after a marriage where she was told she was worth nothing, nobody else will ever want her.
Initially just a hot hook-up, but they decide to move to a regular thing as friends with benefits, an arrangement to avoid other awkward encounters. Clear at once that Madeline is not judging Max for being fluid, she likes them in any form they present. Max have found peace in their own fluidity, but this is the first time that they find a partner that can accept them like they are. Sienna on the other hand realizes that Max do not see her as broken, do not make her feel less worthy. The sex is amazing and that is how they get to know each other but soon clear that there is so much more than that between them. They are treating each other with care and consideration, so different from their past relationships.
Can they be more than friends with benefits, are they prepared to risk getting hurt again by admitting that to themselves, prepared to start a new relationship. They are so amazing together and while reading you wonder how this can ever not be an amazing love story with only one outcome, a HEA. Then things from the past pop up and it gets so complicated, so much to process and move past. That part of the story is so powerful and hurting your heart but also needed for them to process to be able to move past that to something amazing.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
After sharing an electric one-night stand, Madeline and Max decide the best way to satisfy their separate needs for physical connection while avoiding the messiness of a committed relationship is to establish a friends-with-benefits arrangement governed by a set of rules that seem destined to be broken.
Sea Glass immediately ensnares the reader with sparkling banter and fever-inducing steam before unfolding into an absolutely beautiful, poignant, and heartrending romance. Madeline enters "the arrangement" as a middle-aged businesswoman seemingly too scarred from a toxic marriage to ever seek true love again. Max approaches the deal with a devil-may-care cockiness that conceals their own deep wounds from past rejection over their identity. What results between the two characters is a chemistry and connection that pulls them together and pushes them both past the comforting emotional walls they'd built around their hearts—opening them to heartbreak but also to the possibility of a love neither of them could have imagined.
As with the first two books in this series, Spencer does an expert job of balancing external conflicts in the form of two uniquely horrible exes with a host of profound and authentic internal conflicts. Max's struggle with past abuse over their gender dysphoria, in particular, is portrayed with heartbreaking realism. The romance that emerges from this conflict is sweet, inspiring, and refreshingly mature.
Fans of sapphic romance with endearingly human characters who communicate like adults (most of the time) and a hearty dose of spice will be enthralled by Sea Glass.
Sea Glass immediately ensnares the reader with sparkling banter and fever-inducing steam before unfolding into an absolutely beautiful, poignant, and heartrending romance. Madeline enters "the arrangement" as a middle-aged businesswoman seemingly too scarred from a toxic marriage to ever seek true love again. Max approaches the deal with a devil-may-care cockiness that conceals their own deep wounds from past rejection over their identity. What results between the two characters is a chemistry and connection that pulls them together and pushes them both past the comforting emotional walls they'd built around their hearts—opening them to heartbreak but also to the possibility of a love neither of them could have imagined.
As with the first two books in this series, Spencer does an expert job of balancing external conflicts in the form of two uniquely horrible exes with a host of profound and authentic internal conflicts. Max's struggle with past abuse over their gender dysphoria, in particular, is portrayed with heartbreaking realism. The romance that emerges from this conflict is sweet, inspiring, and refreshingly mature.
Fans of sapphic romance with endearingly human characters who communicate like adults (most of the time) and a hearty dose of spice will be enthralled by Sea Glass.
November 19, 2025
I've enjoyed all of Ami Spencer's books so far - and this one is no exception.
This one features Max and and Madeline - who first meet when Madeline returns flowers to the florist shop that Max owns (her ex is bombarding her with flowers and she can't take anymore of it).
Then they meet for no strings sex on an app and hit it off - in a no strings kind of way.
I like how this story accepts each of them for who they are - and they accept each other. Both of them have issues relating to how they have been treated/perceived in the past and they are so good for each other.
As both have stated they want sex only with no feelings we can watch them develop that into a friendship and then a relationship - while they are still adamant they don't do feelings.
There is exploration of feelings, body image issues, gender fluidity and exploration.
It is a thoroughly enjoyable story and the characters are as always well rounded and their behaviour sticks to how they have been sold to us, the reader.
There is of course an epilogue set 1 year later.
This shows us their way forward, which shows them together but true to their own boundaries.
I absolutely recommend this - but even though you can read this and know what is going on, I would always recommend you read the other books in this series first:
Binding Bricks
Secure Attachments
This one features Max and and Madeline - who first meet when Madeline returns flowers to the florist shop that Max owns (her ex is bombarding her with flowers and she can't take anymore of it).
Then they meet for no strings sex on an app and hit it off - in a no strings kind of way.
I like how this story accepts each of them for who they are - and they accept each other. Both of them have issues relating to how they have been treated/perceived in the past and they are so good for each other.
As both have stated they want sex only with no feelings we can watch them develop that into a friendship and then a relationship - while they are still adamant they don't do feelings.
There is exploration of feelings, body image issues, gender fluidity and exploration.
It is a thoroughly enjoyable story and the characters are as always well rounded and their behaviour sticks to how they have been sold to us, the reader.
There is of course an epilogue set 1 year later.
This shows us their way forward, which shows them together but true to their own boundaries.
I absolutely recommend this - but even though you can read this and know what is going on, I would always recommend you read the other books in this series first:
Binding Bricks
Secure Attachments
December 30, 2025
Cee Steele launches her writing career with this slow burn, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, rock concert of yearning.
Sharp with her pen, Willa Archer must face up to her previous judgements and join Frankie Monroe’s tour for 5 weeks whilst Frankie must endure the presence of the journalist who almost destroyed her.
Together, their chemistry sparks. Willa, exposed to Frankie’s magnetism, authenticity and charm, is drawn into her orbit. Frankie accepts their past and pushes through once she realises she doesn’t want to miss out on the enigma that is Willa.
Cee Steele has you frustrated waiting for that first connection, hoping it’s just around the corner and then grasping for the whisper of a kiss. Once the meteor has been identified, prepare for impact. These two are inseparable and you’re happily headed for a HEA….until you’re not. A runaway Frankie and a bereft Willa are forced apart through Frankie’s blind panic and once again the reader is subjected to more frustration at our MC’s stubbornness and lack of logical thinking.
Can they get their heads out of their own posteriors for long enough to realise how incredible they could be together? Read and find out
Sharp with her pen, Willa Archer must face up to her previous judgements and join Frankie Monroe’s tour for 5 weeks whilst Frankie must endure the presence of the journalist who almost destroyed her.
Together, their chemistry sparks. Willa, exposed to Frankie’s magnetism, authenticity and charm, is drawn into her orbit. Frankie accepts their past and pushes through once she realises she doesn’t want to miss out on the enigma that is Willa.
Cee Steele has you frustrated waiting for that first connection, hoping it’s just around the corner and then grasping for the whisper of a kiss. Once the meteor has been identified, prepare for impact. These two are inseparable and you’re happily headed for a HEA….until you’re not. A runaway Frankie and a bereft Willa are forced apart through Frankie’s blind panic and once again the reader is subjected to more frustration at our MC’s stubbornness and lack of logical thinking.
Can they get their heads out of their own posteriors for long enough to realise how incredible they could be together? Read and find out
September 12, 2025
Using Ami's own words here, the ice queen meets the ice majesty in a hot exchange of wits, sarcasm, witty comebacks and a mutual melting of hearts.
Max is possibly one of my favourite characters, ever. We met them in "Secure Attachment" and we see their glow up in this book. We meet Madeline in an explosive display in Max's flower shop (the brilliantly named 'Plant Queeries') and you just want to get to know her more. Meeting again in unexpected circumstances, together they navigate the "I don't want anything serious" to "something much more than either ever imagined" timeline and, as usual, Spencer has done it with a brilliant hand. At the same time, we see Max expressing their gender fluidity, coming more into themself and Madeline accepting every part of them, without question, the care can be felt radiating from the page.
I laughed and cried and choked on my tea on more than one occasion, and I just couldn't put this book down. I promise that Ami doesn't pay me to write nice things about them, but when the writing is this good, it's hard not to.
Max is possibly one of my favourite characters, ever. We met them in "Secure Attachment" and we see their glow up in this book. We meet Madeline in an explosive display in Max's flower shop (the brilliantly named 'Plant Queeries') and you just want to get to know her more. Meeting again in unexpected circumstances, together they navigate the "I don't want anything serious" to "something much more than either ever imagined" timeline and, as usual, Spencer has done it with a brilliant hand. At the same time, we see Max expressing their gender fluidity, coming more into themself and Madeline accepting every part of them, without question, the care can be felt radiating from the page.
I laughed and cried and choked on my tea on more than one occasion, and I just couldn't put this book down. I promise that Ami doesn't pay me to write nice things about them, but when the writing is this good, it's hard not to.
December 20, 2025
I’ve only had the privilege of reading a couple of Ami Spencer’s books so far, but each time they have felt homely. A little angst mixed with a nice splash of drama and a big hit of realism.
Max and Madeline both have baggage they don’t really want to drag into a relationship. But when no strings sex turns into comfort and an undeniable need to be around each other, both women slowly let go of past lives. While confronting trauma, body image, and expectations, friendship and lust spill over into a deep, contented love.
With an eclectic cast of LGBTQIA characters, including a few from previous books, Sea Glass is a rom-com style look into the lives of found family, connection and love.
Spencer’s writing is easy and smooth, no frivolity to try to impress readers – there is no need. The dialogue is as relevant and relatable as the characters and rounds out the story perfectly. Don’t miss out on this little gem.
Max and Madeline both have baggage they don’t really want to drag into a relationship. But when no strings sex turns into comfort and an undeniable need to be around each other, both women slowly let go of past lives. While confronting trauma, body image, and expectations, friendship and lust spill over into a deep, contented love.
With an eclectic cast of LGBTQIA characters, including a few from previous books, Sea Glass is a rom-com style look into the lives of found family, connection and love.
Spencer’s writing is easy and smooth, no frivolity to try to impress readers – there is no need. The dialogue is as relevant and relatable as the characters and rounds out the story perfectly. Don’t miss out on this little gem.
September 8, 2025
Look, I had REALLY high expectations going into this book. Knowing Ami wrote it and having loved literally every other thing of theirs I’ve read it’s fair to say my expectations were sky high. That being said, this story absolutely blew me and all my expectations away. I laughed and cried, smiled and swooned, and everything in between. I absolutely fell in love with Max even more (I’ve loved them since forever) and Maddie is just freaking amazing. The feelings were leaping from the pages and it saturated me completely. I really enjoyed the NB rep and the fact that I got to see and experience more of it, yes even the emotional parts. Maddie is a smokeshow and she and Max just work so well. I was so engrossed in this book that I didn’t want to put it down, I just wanted to keep going and I was legit sad when I realised I finished it. What a wonderful read.
September 22, 2025
Sea Glass is the latest installment of Ami Spencer's sapphic romances set in Leeds, this time following Max, the florist and Madeleine, the owner of a chain of spas. Neither are looking for a relationship due to wounds from the past, but this one-night-to-forever will have you kicking your feet with glee.
But the will-they-wont-they turns into a fascinating exploration of gender and recovery. Moving past trauma and allowing yourself to heal can be more challenging than anything else. Ami Spencer masterfully makes you believe you are worth something when the whole world and even your own community has told you otherwise.
I was provided an ARC coy and have left this review of my own volition
But the will-they-wont-they turns into a fascinating exploration of gender and recovery. Moving past trauma and allowing yourself to heal can be more challenging than anything else. Ami Spencer masterfully makes you believe you are worth something when the whole world and even your own community has told you otherwise.
I was provided an ARC coy and have left this review of my own volition
October 31, 2025
It's my first time reading this author. I absolutely loved and devoured this book.
Two broken people find a one night stand, find friends with benefits, find love, find a way through their respective traumas, find their happy ever after on the other side.
It's beautiful, Ami Spencer writes the emotion journey of her characters with an expert hand, it is grounded, believable and terrifyingly relatable.
This the first book I've read with an MC with gender dysphoria, an interesting glimpse into what that can feel like and Max, quite easily, has all of my heart.
Also Sea Glass is just a beautiful name for a book.
Two broken people find a one night stand, find friends with benefits, find love, find a way through their respective traumas, find their happy ever after on the other side.
It's beautiful, Ami Spencer writes the emotion journey of her characters with an expert hand, it is grounded, believable and terrifyingly relatable.
This the first book I've read with an MC with gender dysphoria, an interesting glimpse into what that can feel like and Max, quite easily, has all of my heart.
Also Sea Glass is just a beautiful name for a book.
September 27, 2025
Ami you've done it again - this book is beautiful.
I love coming back to this world for the third time, having the comfort of familiar characters and the enjoyment of discovering new ones.
Be prepared to be hit by all the feels as we go on a journey of discovery with our main characters.
Huge thanks to Ami for having me as part of the arc team.
I love coming back to this world for the third time, having the comfort of familiar characters and the enjoyment of discovering new ones.
Be prepared to be hit by all the feels as we go on a journey of discovery with our main characters.
Huge thanks to Ami for having me as part of the arc team.
September 2, 2025
Max is trying to find themselves without looking for anyone.
Madeline is looking for a distraction after getting out of a terrible marriage.
No strings attached right?
Will they stay with their arrangement or break the rules to find what they really want?
Madeline is looking for a distraction after getting out of a terrible marriage.
No strings attached right?
Will they stay with their arrangement or break the rules to find what they really want?
September 7, 2025
This story is beautiful! I loved reading the transformation of Maddie and Max and the healing journey that they go on. This was the best emotional roller coaster. I laughed, cried, and melted from the spice. Ami Spencer turned up the heat with this ice queen meets ice majesty trope.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews