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Ladies on the Rocks: A Steamy Sapphic Short Story
It’s never too late.
Icy femme Samantha Leighton is past middle age, newly out of the closet, and ready to join the world of lesbian dating. Reformed womanizer Ash Mitchell is just getting over a painful breakup with her partner of decades. When they meet at a historic lesbian bar, the attraction between them sizzles. But a passionate one-night stand with a stranger is the last thing either of them needs…right?
In this spicy, low-angst short story, Samantha and Ash satisfy a hunger they’ve never known during a night they’ll never forget.
Icy femme Samantha Leighton is past middle age, newly out of the closet, and ready to join the world of lesbian dating. Reformed womanizer Ash Mitchell is just getting over a painful breakup with her partner of decades. When they meet at a historic lesbian bar, the attraction between them sizzles. But a passionate one-night stand with a stranger is the last thing either of them needs…right?
In this spicy, low-angst short story, Samantha and Ash satisfy a hunger they’ve never known during a night they’ll never forget.
55 pages, ebook
Published January 5, 2026
66 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Roslyn Sinclair
10 books1,353 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 35 reviews
January 8, 2026
⋆˙✮ 4
The thing about short stories is that they always make me want MORE. I loved that both FMC’s were older; I feel like there can never be enough representation like that. To put it simply, everything about this just worked for me. I’m already picturing what a full-length novel with these two would look like. It’s a very quick, enjoyable read!
The thing about short stories is that they always make me want MORE. I loved that both FMC’s were older; I feel like there can never be enough representation like that. To put it simply, everything about this just worked for me. I’m already picturing what a full-length novel with these two would look like. It’s a very quick, enjoyable read!
January 19, 2026
4.25 stars
Bless you, Roslyn Sinclair, for giving us a very steamy short featuring two characters in their late 50’s, early 60’s. There’s not nearly enough of that rep in sapphic fiction. Yum. More, please!
Bless you, Roslyn Sinclair, for giving us a very steamy short featuring two characters in their late 50’s, early 60’s. There’s not nearly enough of that rep in sapphic fiction. Yum. More, please!
February 3, 2026
2🔥
I’m sorry this just wasn’t my thing. Although I loved the older queer rep, I think my go to sapphic stories are were the characters are in their 20’s (my age range). Personal preference, especially when it came to the spice. But I did like some of the one liners tho.
I’m sorry this just wasn’t my thing. Although I loved the older queer rep, I think my go to sapphic stories are were the characters are in their 20’s (my age range). Personal preference, especially when it came to the spice. But I did like some of the one liners tho.
January 6, 2026
Duel 3rd Person POV. 5🌟 2🌶️. 55 pages
This was a sumptuous saucy little short story, that I completely devoured and then craved more. I’m a huge fan of Roslyn’s work and this little delicacy just made me not only want more of both Samantha and Ash, but gave me a reason to re-read The X Ingredient and The Carlisle Series.
Ladies on the rocks is a short story that follows Samantha a 62 year old newly out lesbian, who comes across as a prickly ice queen, on her journey to exploring what she has denied herself for decades. In walks Ash a heart broken, reformed butch player ready to completely rock Samantha’s world. Honestly I need an entire novel about these two, 55 pages and 1 spicy scene was not enough!
I also want to applaud Roslyn for acknowledging the fact that both butches and mascs like to be touched just as much as femmes. And for not falling into the none reciprocal spice stereotype that is plaguing sapphic literature.
If you are a fan or Roslyn’s work definitely do yourself a favour and read this little steamy nugget!
Must read if you LOVE:
✨Sapphic Short Stories
✨Ice Queen
✨Reformed Player
✨Older MC’s in their 60’s
✨Butch + Femme Pairings
✨Strangers in a Bar
✨Coming Out
✨New Beginnings
✨First Time
✨Dash of Spice
✨Soft Dom / Bratty Sub
This was a sumptuous saucy little short story, that I completely devoured and then craved more. I’m a huge fan of Roslyn’s work and this little delicacy just made me not only want more of both Samantha and Ash, but gave me a reason to re-read The X Ingredient and The Carlisle Series.
Ladies on the rocks is a short story that follows Samantha a 62 year old newly out lesbian, who comes across as a prickly ice queen, on her journey to exploring what she has denied herself for decades. In walks Ash a heart broken, reformed butch player ready to completely rock Samantha’s world. Honestly I need an entire novel about these two, 55 pages and 1 spicy scene was not enough!
I also want to applaud Roslyn for acknowledging the fact that both butches and mascs like to be touched just as much as femmes. And for not falling into the none reciprocal spice stereotype that is plaguing sapphic literature.
If you are a fan or Roslyn’s work definitely do yourself a favour and read this little steamy nugget!
Must read if you LOVE:
✨Sapphic Short Stories
✨Ice Queen
✨Reformed Player
✨Older MC’s in their 60’s
✨Butch + Femme Pairings
✨Strangers in a Bar
✨Coming Out
✨New Beginnings
✨First Time
✨Dash of Spice
✨Soft Dom / Bratty Sub
January 6, 2026
What a great short story.
Featuring two older MCs; one newly out, the other still coming to terms with her breakup, Ladies on the Rocks shows us that, regardless of our age or circumstances, it’s never too late to start over.
This is a quick, inspiring and very sexy read.
Happy reading 📚
Featuring two older MCs; one newly out, the other still coming to terms with her breakup, Ladies on the Rocks shows us that, regardless of our age or circumstances, it’s never too late to start over.
This is a quick, inspiring and very sexy read.
Happy reading 📚
January 8, 2026
“Historically, I don’t say please to women,” Ash murmured. “They say it to me.”
4.5 stars. I've said in the past that I don't really gravitate towards short stories and novelettes, especially in the romance genre, because authors just often aren't able to make me buy into a couple or get invested in a relationship in such a short amount of time. And I'm probably going to say the same thing some time in the future. When I do, just know that Roslyn Sinclair is the exception. THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
Also, it's not actually a romance; just a sexy encounter between two older women at a bar. But it was so electric, so sexy, so full of chemistry and an immediate connection that flew off the pages. The flirting and bantering at the beginning was SO good; had me literally giggling and smiling at my phone. Samantha is an icy femme in her early 60s, newly out of the closet and visiting a lesbian bar for the first time. Ash is a gently bossy butch getting over a bad break up, out at her favourite bar for the first time in a while. They clicked together so well. This was just the right amount of light D/S that I LOVE, that worked so well for the characters. I could have read 300 pages of this, but the 50 or so that we got were near perfect.
Sinclair never disappoints! And thank god for that.
The words pulled Samantha under like a wave. Suddenly, that sensation didn’t seem so frightening. She’d spent her whole life treading water. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to drown.
January 14, 2026
love a good short & spicy moment between 2 mature fmcs!
January 7, 2026
Only YOU know when the right time to come out is…
Short and sweet and oh so enticing!
Samantha, newly out at 62, goes to a lesbian bar for the first time. She meets Ash, first time back at the bar and …READ! ;)
Short and sweet and oh so enticing!
Samantha, newly out at 62, goes to a lesbian bar for the first time. She meets Ash, first time back at the bar and …READ! ;)
January 6, 2026
Omg wayyy to short
This was a delicious short story and I mean was wayyyy to short. I want more of these 2 ladies. Dang woman can you write.
This was a delicious short story and I mean was wayyyy to short. I want more of these 2 ladies. Dang woman can you write.
January 22, 2026
This is a sweet and spicy sapphic short story that I really wished didn’t end.
Following Samantha, aged sixty-two, as she embraces her queer life for the first time was genuinely lovely and hot - and funny too.
Samantha visits a Boston lesbian bar for the first time, and her experience feels very relatable. Being in a queer space when you don’t know anyone can feel lonely, yet still offer a strong sense of belonging. And I also wholeheartedly agree with Samantha that nights out should start earlier, and the music should sometimes be quiet enough to actually hear people talk. The author captures Samantha’s fish-out-of-water experience beautifully, and I found myself quickly rooting for her🤞
When Samantha meets Ash - a kind, thoughtful, handsome stranger - I couldn’t help but smile at their candour, banter, and flirting. Although the story is short, the character development is there, with enough nuance to clearly picture them both.
Ash’s past and Samantha’s snarky inner thoughts were particular highlights. And I also really enjoyed the quick shifts between perspectives and seeing the moments where their thoughts align.
Then there’s a sudden shift in tone: Ash’s directness is 🫠, and their time together becomes a true “night of firsts” 🔥🌶!
Overall, this is a fun, sexy short story with a hot, semi-public scene that can easily be read in under an hour - definitely worth picking up!
Following Samantha, aged sixty-two, as she embraces her queer life for the first time was genuinely lovely and hot - and funny too.
Samantha visits a Boston lesbian bar for the first time, and her experience feels very relatable. Being in a queer space when you don’t know anyone can feel lonely, yet still offer a strong sense of belonging. And I also wholeheartedly agree with Samantha that nights out should start earlier, and the music should sometimes be quiet enough to actually hear people talk. The author captures Samantha’s fish-out-of-water experience beautifully, and I found myself quickly rooting for her🤞
When Samantha meets Ash - a kind, thoughtful, handsome stranger - I couldn’t help but smile at their candour, banter, and flirting. Although the story is short, the character development is there, with enough nuance to clearly picture them both.
Ash’s past and Samantha’s snarky inner thoughts were particular highlights. And I also really enjoyed the quick shifts between perspectives and seeing the moments where their thoughts align.
Then there’s a sudden shift in tone: Ash’s directness is 🫠, and their time together becomes a true “night of firsts” 🔥🌶!
Overall, this is a fun, sexy short story with a hot, semi-public scene that can easily be read in under an hour - definitely worth picking up!
January 16, 2026
Goals in my next life: be so regular at a bar that the staff leaves me the office key for my own debaucherous usage when they see me post up. This is a short and steamy novella encounter between 2 women (strangers) at a bar. Samantha initially rubbed me the wrong way, full ice queen mode from the jump. Ash was sweet and confident and knew how to handle her. If this was a full novel, I would probably DNF but in short form, it works.
January 6, 2026
Steamy short story
This was such a quick hot read that I really recommend. My only issue is that only a short story, I need a full novel about these ladies.
This was such a quick hot read that I really recommend. My only issue is that only a short story, I need a full novel about these ladies.
January 23, 2026
Sorry. Should have DNR’d it. This is clearly not my thing but I was hoping it would get better. It just felt awkward and detached. No romance, just two grown ass women who can probably barely tolerate each other having sex in the back of a bar. Come on now. Eww.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
cute story..
Cute story of two older women Samantha newly divorced finally admitting she’s a lesbian at 62 and Ash 60 whose partner left after crushing her confidence.
Cute story of two older women Samantha newly divorced finally admitting she’s a lesbian at 62 and Ash 60 whose partner left after crushing her confidence.
January 6, 2026
short, hot, and the promise of rebirth
A great short story by Roslyn. It’s so refreshing to have characters over 50 still absolutely setting fire to the world and chasing the spark. And what a spark it was.
A great short story by Roslyn. It’s so refreshing to have characters over 50 still absolutely setting fire to the world and chasing the spark. And what a spark it was.
January 31, 2026
This was such a refreshing, enjoyable read. It’s light without being shallow, tender without being overly sweet, and grounded in a way that made the romance feel believable and warm. Roslyn Sinclair writes connection beautifully, and the chemistry unfolds in a natural, easy rhythm.
What stood out most for me was how rare and meaningful this story is. You don’t often find romance novels that centre later-in-life coming out journeys, or women over sixty exploring their sexuality, desires, and emotional needs ; and this book handles it with so much care and respect. It felt honest, affirming, and quietly powerful.
The conversations, pacing, and emotional beats all feel mature and intentional. There’s no rush, no manufactured drama; just two women finding comfort, attraction, and understanding in each other.
Overall, this was a charming, cosy romance with heart. A gentle reminder that it’s never too late for self-discovery, love, or desire ; and a truly lovely read that left me smiling.
⭐️- 4.5
🔥- 2
What stood out most for me was how rare and meaningful this story is. You don’t often find romance novels that centre later-in-life coming out journeys, or women over sixty exploring their sexuality, desires, and emotional needs ; and this book handles it with so much care and respect. It felt honest, affirming, and quietly powerful.
The conversations, pacing, and emotional beats all feel mature and intentional. There’s no rush, no manufactured drama; just two women finding comfort, attraction, and understanding in each other.
Overall, this was a charming, cosy romance with heart. A gentle reminder that it’s never too late for self-discovery, love, or desire ; and a truly lovely read that left me smiling.
⭐️- 4.5
🔥- 2
January 8, 2026
Full Book Now Please?
I mean, it's Roslyn Sinclair. The story was perfection. Steamy, sexy and succinct. Even though it's a short story, both main characters are vibrant and engaging. I could read a whole book about their journeys, what with Samantha coming out later in life and Ash recovering from a crushing heartbreak. Especially with both of them being older characters; feel like that adds a refreshing element. Loved it! Just wish it was longer!
I mean, it's Roslyn Sinclair. The story was perfection. Steamy, sexy and succinct. Even though it's a short story, both main characters are vibrant and engaging. I could read a whole book about their journeys, what with Samantha coming out later in life and Ash recovering from a crushing heartbreak. Especially with both of them being older characters; feel like that adds a refreshing element. Loved it! Just wish it was longer!
January 9, 2026
A Well Written Short Story
This was a well written short story with plenty of connection, heat, and banter between two older women. One is a first time lesbian and the other is a former player and divorcee trying to get her mojo back. I’d love to read more about Samantha and Ash.
This was a well written short story with plenty of connection, heat, and banter between two older women. One is a first time lesbian and the other is a former player and divorcee trying to get her mojo back. I’d love to read more about Samantha and Ash.
January 9, 2026
Beautiful
Just turned 45 and this story was a great reminder that life continues to exist and it can be fun, and sexy, and beautiful even though society likes to make it seem it’s all downhill after 40. Samantha and Ash had amazing chemistry and you could just feel all the potential and possibilities opened up to them both by the end of the story.
Just turned 45 and this story was a great reminder that life continues to exist and it can be fun, and sexy, and beautiful even though society likes to make it seem it’s all downhill after 40. Samantha and Ash had amazing chemistry and you could just feel all the potential and possibilities opened up to them both by the end of the story.
January 10, 2026
Listen i hope everyone 60 year old that comes out has this experience! It’s never too late to live your best life. I’ve been in a reading slump and this was just want i need to get back at it.
Truly a great small book to reinforce two things age is only a number and it’s never to late in life to come out
And
WOMEN ARE SUPERIOR IN ALL THINGS
Truly a great small book to reinforce two things age is only a number and it’s never to late in life to come out
And
WOMEN ARE SUPERIOR IN ALL THINGS
January 18, 2026
Ladies on the Rocks is a steamy sapphic short story by Roslyn Sinclair that delivers exactly what the title promises: two women, plenty of heat, and a title that winks at both whiskey and something a little more rugged.
Just two ladies on the rocks finding their way to each other in the most delicious way possible.
4 Stars
Just two ladies on the rocks finding their way to each other in the most delicious way possible.
4 Stars
January 7, 2026
Short But Very Hot!
Ash and Samantha = 🔥! What a great short story! And as a woman of a certain age it definitely hit the mark! I hope we get to see a little more of Ash and Samantha but if not my happily ever after mind is in over drive!
Ash and Samantha = 🔥! What a great short story! And as a woman of a certain age it definitely hit the mark! I hope we get to see a little more of Ash and Samantha but if not my happily ever after mind is in over drive!
January 7, 2026
more please
I may start a sit in/petition if we don’t get more Ash and Samantha soon…well, soonish maybe if this has been sitting, waiting to be enjoyed, for the last few years.
Loved every second.
I may start a sit in/petition if we don’t get more Ash and Samantha soon…well, soonish maybe if this has been sitting, waiting to be enjoyed, for the last few years.
Loved every second.
January 9, 2026
Another Banger
Roslyn Sinclair doesn’t miss. This was a quick read that was fun and uplifting. It’s never too late to pursue your happiness and this story highlighted that perfectly.
Roslyn Sinclair doesn’t miss. This was a quick read that was fun and uplifting. It’s never too late to pursue your happiness and this story highlighted that perfectly.
January 12, 2026
Toastered in the office at a lesbian bar- priceless. These two ladies get their crap on the same page over one drink and set the office desk on fire. NSFW- hot as the rings of hell I’ll find myself in for reading this while trying to cook and burning the crap outta dinner. No regrets.
January 14, 2026
For a short story, the characters felt well-developed. I liked how both main characters are older than 50, and that one is only recently out. The coming-out was handled briefly, but with authenticity.
January 6, 2026
I WANT MORE
Read
January 7, 2026Gen X spicy
Loved this little romp reminiscent of the 90s bar scene with all the swagger and sexy, bratty, fun. Perfect short read.
Loved this little romp reminiscent of the 90s bar scene with all the swagger and sexy, bratty, fun. Perfect short read.
January 7, 2026
Well that was too lovely for words!! It was all over much too soon. I felt like I wanted so much more of Ash and Samantha. What a fantastic little short story!!
January 13, 2026
It's the perfect Monday night pick me up. It's a refreshing take on a late in life's first time. It's refreshing to see characters in their 50s and 60s still living the life of a 20-something!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews