What do you think?
Desperately Seeking Suzanne
After forty years together Elle and Suzanne have built a life full of memories, but somewhere along the way, the spark between them has dimmed. With their daughter grown and gone, the silence in their home becomes louder than ever. A summer holiday offers a chance to rest and maybe even to remember.
In 1986 Elle was a hot gothic. Now, she’s a grump, worrying about pensions. Is it too late for the kind girl she used to be? As golden days stretch into starlit nights, sparks ignite. With every hour they spend together, Elle regains her confidence and remembers how to make her wife laugh.
In the 80’s, shy Suzanne wore a Ra Ra skirt, a wicked perm and cerise lipstick. She and Elle couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Now, their days are empty. The space between them seems endless. What happened to them? Is it too late to turn back the clock?
Beneath the sun, in a tropical paradise, everything becomes clearer. Can Elle and Suzanne find the women they fell for all those years ago?
Desperately Seeking Suzanne is a heartfelt sapphic romance about enduring love, and the joy of falling for the same woman all over again.
In 1986 Elle was a hot gothic. Now, she’s a grump, worrying about pensions. Is it too late for the kind girl she used to be? As golden days stretch into starlit nights, sparks ignite. With every hour they spend together, Elle regains her confidence and remembers how to make her wife laugh.
In the 80’s, shy Suzanne wore a Ra Ra skirt, a wicked perm and cerise lipstick. She and Elle couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Now, their days are empty. The space between them seems endless. What happened to them? Is it too late to turn back the clock?
Beneath the sun, in a tropical paradise, everything becomes clearer. Can Elle and Suzanne find the women they fell for all those years ago?
Desperately Seeking Suzanne is a heartfelt sapphic romance about enduring love, and the joy of falling for the same woman all over again.
- GenresRomanceContemporaryLGBT
First published July 1, 2026
About the author
Eule Grey
29 books83 followersEule Grey has settled, for now, in the north UK. She’s worked in education, justice, youth work, and even spread the butter in a sandwich factory.
Eule writes LGBTQI books with the characters she’s been seeking since childhood: neurodivergent villains, characters with mental health issues, conflicted thoughts, and a craving for cupcakes. Best of all, Eule adores writing romantic stories, often with a dash of the paranormal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 9, 2026
Desperately Seeking Suzanne by Eule Grey takes a look at the longevity of love. Does it last a lifetime? What happens when life happens? Can two women who have been together for 40 years get their spark back?
Elle and Suzanne have been married for what seems like forever, and their daughter has gone off to college. The empty nesters take a much-needed vacation, just the two of them, to find out whether they still have the love they shared when they were young.
After years of marriage, careers, and raising a child, couples can grow apart. In fact, it isn't unusual. This novella takes us through what an intentional reconnection looks like.
I enjoyed Elle and Suzanne. They are quirky and believable. The relationship and the characters are easy to relate to, as is the challenge of rediscovering who Elle and Suzanne used to be and how fiercely they once loved each other.
Although the story is short, we get a good sense of the personalities of the main characters—Elle, Suzanne, and their daughter, Pip. There are fun 80s references and some steamy scenes. I enjoyed this hopeful look into the joys of enduring love that changes but doesn't lessen.
I give this one a 3.75, rounded up.
#establishedcouple #married #olderMCs #emptynest #tropical #vacation #holiday #summer #anxiety #spicy #steamy #UK #Spain #showersex #80sreferences #adultchild #HEA
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Elle and Suzanne have been married for what seems like forever, and their daughter has gone off to college. The empty nesters take a much-needed vacation, just the two of them, to find out whether they still have the love they shared when they were young.
After years of marriage, careers, and raising a child, couples can grow apart. In fact, it isn't unusual. This novella takes us through what an intentional reconnection looks like.
I enjoyed Elle and Suzanne. They are quirky and believable. The relationship and the characters are easy to relate to, as is the challenge of rediscovering who Elle and Suzanne used to be and how fiercely they once loved each other.
Although the story is short, we get a good sense of the personalities of the main characters—Elle, Suzanne, and their daughter, Pip. There are fun 80s references and some steamy scenes. I enjoyed this hopeful look into the joys of enduring love that changes but doesn't lessen.
I give this one a 3.75, rounded up.
#establishedcouple #married #olderMCs #emptynest #tropical #vacation #holiday #summer #anxiety #spicy #steamy #UK #Spain #showersex #80sreferences #adultchild #HEA
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2026
This is a short and sweet book. The main characters are older women, they have a long established relationship and the book takes us along with them as they rediscover their bond and how they work together after their daughter has grown up and moved out.
It’s a cheerful read that addresses insecurities but is so very full of love.
It’s a cheerful read that addresses insecurities but is so very full of love.
July 6, 2026
Sweet, sweet story. So lovely
July 19, 2026
Many thanks to BookSirens and author Eule Grey for this ARC. I’m happy to share my honest review.
This book was super sweet and I really enjoyed it. The book cover is bright and bold and totally made me want to read it. Desperately Seeking Suzanne is a novella about a lovely lesbian couple that have been together for forty years and have fallen into a bit of rut. They love each other deeply, have forgotten how to show it and allow the chaos, pressures and responsibilities of life to creep in and force too much space into their relationship. This was a super quick read at about 70 pages but it kept me happily entertained throughout. I loved this story because we get a bunch of sapphic romances where the couple meets and falls in love but hardly any about an established married couple and how to manage a successful relationship after many decades…I wish we could all be so lucky and I was absolutely enamored with this couple.
Elle and Suzanne are just so incredibly cute together! They met and sort of instantly fell for each other when they were only 16! They have been together for forty years and have sort of revolved their lives around their daughter, Pip. Now that Pip is gone to University, Elle and Suzanne have sort of left a drift. But the most important thing is that they are still very much in love but just need to remind one another of that. They plan a Holiday to a sunny tropical locale and are able to put the pressures of life aside and rejuvenate their marriage and fan that spark that never truly went out!
I loved the flashbacks to the 80’s and the fun 80’s bash that Elle plans for Suzanne to relive their first date and early happy years. Their Holiday is exactly what they need to find their joy again and I loved how committed they both were to finish the happiness they once had. I loved watching them push themselves out of their comfort zones and try swimming or biking just because their partner enjoyed it. Elle is the responsible planner and provider while Suzzane was more creative and a bit more of the nurturer, although they are both incredibly devoted mothers. I loved them individually and together. It was so sweet and moving to watch this beautiful couple realize that love requires attention and that they want to pay more attention to one another . They kiss and make love with abandon and it was a joy to read. I very much enjoyed the spicy bits because they were so tender and honest. I felt like I was really watching two women who loved each other with all of their hearts reconnect in a way they had been deprecated to for too long. They melted my heart and I didn't want the book to end!
The writing is top notch and I loved it. I will definitely look for more from this author. I enjoyed the easy to read style that was full of wonderful dialogue that kept me smiling all along. I was so smitten with both Elle and Suzanne and that is a huge testament to the writing. I usually don't read short stories or novels because I think it's too tough to tell a proper story in a short number of pages. But Eule Grey has accomplished this and more. I felt that the characters were lovingly detailed and deep. I got a real sense of their marriage and believed in their love wholeheartedly! Bravo Eule Grey!
Overall, this is a truly sweet and satisfying quick read about a wonderful sapphic love story that has stood the test of time. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a feel good and warm hearted story that will leave you smiling and happy.
This book was super sweet and I really enjoyed it. The book cover is bright and bold and totally made me want to read it. Desperately Seeking Suzanne is a novella about a lovely lesbian couple that have been together for forty years and have fallen into a bit of rut. They love each other deeply, have forgotten how to show it and allow the chaos, pressures and responsibilities of life to creep in and force too much space into their relationship. This was a super quick read at about 70 pages but it kept me happily entertained throughout. I loved this story because we get a bunch of sapphic romances where the couple meets and falls in love but hardly any about an established married couple and how to manage a successful relationship after many decades…I wish we could all be so lucky and I was absolutely enamored with this couple.
Elle and Suzanne are just so incredibly cute together! They met and sort of instantly fell for each other when they were only 16! They have been together for forty years and have sort of revolved their lives around their daughter, Pip. Now that Pip is gone to University, Elle and Suzanne have sort of left a drift. But the most important thing is that they are still very much in love but just need to remind one another of that. They plan a Holiday to a sunny tropical locale and are able to put the pressures of life aside and rejuvenate their marriage and fan that spark that never truly went out!
I loved the flashbacks to the 80’s and the fun 80’s bash that Elle plans for Suzanne to relive their first date and early happy years. Their Holiday is exactly what they need to find their joy again and I loved how committed they both were to finish the happiness they once had. I loved watching them push themselves out of their comfort zones and try swimming or biking just because their partner enjoyed it. Elle is the responsible planner and provider while Suzzane was more creative and a bit more of the nurturer, although they are both incredibly devoted mothers. I loved them individually and together. It was so sweet and moving to watch this beautiful couple realize that love requires attention and that they want to pay more attention to one another . They kiss and make love with abandon and it was a joy to read. I very much enjoyed the spicy bits because they were so tender and honest. I felt like I was really watching two women who loved each other with all of their hearts reconnect in a way they had been deprecated to for too long. They melted my heart and I didn't want the book to end!
The writing is top notch and I loved it. I will definitely look for more from this author. I enjoyed the easy to read style that was full of wonderful dialogue that kept me smiling all along. I was so smitten with both Elle and Suzanne and that is a huge testament to the writing. I usually don't read short stories or novels because I think it's too tough to tell a proper story in a short number of pages. But Eule Grey has accomplished this and more. I felt that the characters were lovingly detailed and deep. I got a real sense of their marriage and believed in their love wholeheartedly! Bravo Eule Grey!
Overall, this is a truly sweet and satisfying quick read about a wonderful sapphic love story that has stood the test of time. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a feel good and warm hearted story that will leave you smiling and happy.
July 8, 2026
Desperately Seeking Susan is a short story about Elle and Susan, for whom marriage after 40 years together has become a habit, without noticing each other. The title is a paraphrase of the title of the 1985 movie "Desperately Seeking Susan" starring Madonna, looking for an analogue with the name of one of the characters. The author sets out to explore the problems that led to the emotional isolation and whether there is a way back, by sending the couple on vacation on the anniversary of their first date. The book provides a snapshot of the thoughts of each of the women and shows how the lack of communication gives rise to delusions and creates a gap between partners.
The topic undoubtedly has potential and is interesting, but the short form of the work and the hasty introduction of the characters from the problem to the solution left me with a feeling of incompleteness. The characters are just strokes of a sketch, not fully developed and I missed more depth.
***Spoiler*** In summary, the abundance of intimate scenes, after a long hiatus, was not a convincing redemption for the emotional separation. Sex doesn't fix it all. The realization of why they are together, that the love is still there, and what to change in the future, seemed to be overshadowed by superficial physical attraction, which made the common serious problem in a relationship seem trivialized and easily solved, while many couples end up in marriage counseling to be able to change something, simply because communication is not easy, especially if partners stopped communicating properly a decade ago. ***Spoiler***
Still, the story is an easy summer read for a quiet day and certainly will not burden the reader with heavy moral questions, quite the opposite.
The topic undoubtedly has potential and is interesting, but the short form of the work and the hasty introduction of the characters from the problem to the solution left me with a feeling of incompleteness. The characters are just strokes of a sketch, not fully developed and I missed more depth.
***Spoiler*** In summary, the abundance of intimate scenes, after a long hiatus, was not a convincing redemption for the emotional separation. Sex doesn't fix it all. The realization of why they are together, that the love is still there, and what to change in the future, seemed to be overshadowed by superficial physical attraction, which made the common serious problem in a relationship seem trivialized and easily solved, while many couples end up in marriage counseling to be able to change something, simply because communication is not easy, especially if partners stopped communicating properly a decade ago. ***Spoiler***
Still, the story is an easy summer read for a quiet day and certainly will not burden the reader with heavy moral questions, quite the opposite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2026
After forty years together, Elle and Suzanne have drifted into a quiet, distant version of their marriage, and this book sets out to explore whether the spark they had in the 1980s can be rekindled during a tropical summer holiday. The premise is genuinely relatable and has real potential — the way life, routine, and time can slowly erode intimacy between two people is a story worth telling, and the contrast between the wild, passionate younger versions of Elle and Suzanne and their more guarded, weary present-day selves is a compelling idea.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't fully deliver on that promise for me. The transition from "we've lost each other" to "we're finding our way back" happened almost spontaneously, without enough of the emotional groundwork to make it feel earned. I would have loved more depth into why Elle and Suzanne became who they are today, and what specifically closed the distance between them — the reasons behind their characters and choices felt underexplored, which made it harder to fully connect with their journey.
That said, the writing style itself is pleasant and easy to read, and the activities and setting throughout the story add a nice, enjoyable texture to the book. It's a light, warm read with a lot of heart behind it, even if the emotional arc needed more room to breathe. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
July 4, 2026
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
I always look forward a new book from Eule Grey, it is like unwrapping a mystery gift - you never know what you are going to get as every story is different albeit with a common sapphic thread running through them. I never cease to be surprised at the length and width of this author's imagination.
Her main characters run the spectrum of ages, in this story they are a 56 year old couple approaching their 40th anniversary. Having spent 40 years together and raised a daughter is the spark still there or are they just rolling towards a comfortable old age. This book explores that as the couple set off on an anniversary holiday hopefully to rekindle what they had 40 years ago.
Seems like a trite little story but the author makes it work, with her usual subtle approach she gets under the skin of the characters and tugs at you heartstrings as it all comes together.
The short format is great for the story as to try to stretch it further would probably break it.
Four stars, recommended for an evening in on your own. Eule Grey is rapidly building an impressive body of work
I always look forward a new book from Eule Grey, it is like unwrapping a mystery gift - you never know what you are going to get as every story is different albeit with a common sapphic thread running through them. I never cease to be surprised at the length and width of this author's imagination.
Her main characters run the spectrum of ages, in this story they are a 56 year old couple approaching their 40th anniversary. Having spent 40 years together and raised a daughter is the spark still there or are they just rolling towards a comfortable old age. This book explores that as the couple set off on an anniversary holiday hopefully to rekindle what they had 40 years ago.
Seems like a trite little story but the author makes it work, with her usual subtle approach she gets under the skin of the characters and tugs at you heartstrings as it all comes together.
The short format is great for the story as to try to stretch it further would probably break it.
Four stars, recommended for an evening in on your own. Eule Grey is rapidly building an impressive body of work
July 11, 2026
4 stars. This was absolutely lovely! Just a wonderful little novella of a married couple, Elle and Suzanne, finding the spark in their marriage again. No angst, no drama, just a lot of fun with a tiny bit of spice sprinkled on top. Both women were likable and the chemistry between them felt so real and believable. It’s easy to see how after four decades together the two have lost their way a bit. I really liked this and thought it was great. Highly recommend if you want something short and sweet.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2026
Lovely story of reconnection and love. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Newly empty nesters Suzanne and Elle take a holiday, a much needed holiday, at the insistence of their daughter Pippa. They have both drifted apart through work and family and are basically orbiting one another now that Pippa has left for college.
I could feel the depth of love and desire that both Suzanne and Elle had for one another as well as the hurt and frustration of losing that closeness, that connection. I loved how they opened up and communicated and connected both physically and mentally.
Beautifully written characters and scenes. Recommend!
Newly empty nesters Suzanne and Elle take a holiday, a much needed holiday, at the insistence of their daughter Pippa. They have both drifted apart through work and family and are basically orbiting one another now that Pippa has left for college.
I could feel the depth of love and desire that both Suzanne and Elle had for one another as well as the hurt and frustration of losing that closeness, that connection. I loved how they opened up and communicated and connected both physically and mentally.
Beautifully written characters and scenes. Recommend!
July 6, 2026
I received an ARC of this book with a warning about steamy content.
The topic broached in this light read is something that I think most couples experience after being together for many years. It's a sort of complacency that leads to emotional distance, self-blame, and eventual breakdowns. I loved how the characters worked through this, changed their personal views about themselves and their bodies, and came out stronger as a couple in the end.
Overall, it's a lovely, quick read that was a little less steamy than anticipated.
The topic broached in this light read is something that I think most couples experience after being together for many years. It's a sort of complacency that leads to emotional distance, self-blame, and eventual breakdowns. I loved how the characters worked through this, changed their personal views about themselves and their bodies, and came out stronger as a couple in the end.
Overall, it's a lovely, quick read that was a little less steamy than anticipated.
July 7, 2026
A sweet and delightful 1980s nostalgia-fest from Eule Grey, where Elle and Suzanne, a long married couple seek to rediscover their youthful passion while on holiday.
These two are clearly devoted to each other, but over forty years, everyday life, bills, careers and bringing up their wonderful daughter Pippa has created a distance between them.
Their feelings about their relationship and how to bridge that gap is explored with sensitivity, warmth and a dollop pf 1980s inspiration. A really lovely read with loveable characters and a great premise.
These two are clearly devoted to each other, but over forty years, everyday life, bills, careers and bringing up their wonderful daughter Pippa has created a distance between them.
Their feelings about their relationship and how to bridge that gap is explored with sensitivity, warmth and a dollop pf 1980s inspiration. A really lovely read with loveable characters and a great premise.
August 17, 2026
Eule Grey’s book Desperately Seeking Suzanne was a refreshing read in ways that had me sweating and smiling. It was a great cozy yet steamy read about 2 women who have shared decades and are still navigating the bumps that arise as partners age together. I like that it is a quick afternoon read that is definitely NSFW. I had fun with the journey this story walked. If you are seeking a fun book that burns from within then grab this read and enjoy. I received an ARC of this book and gratefully leave this honest personal review. I have found a new author to add to my library with this book.
July 21, 2026
This is a really nice novella following a married, empty nest couple on holiday. After being together for 40 years, their everyday responsibilities seem to have loosened their connection. This heartwarming story shows that connection is actually stronger than they realized. This is a well written, true to life story. I was rooting for Elle and Suzanne the entire time.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2026
Desperately Seeking Suzanne is a fun sapphic romance featuring a couple that has been together forever. A chance to remember how they started and reheat the fire that they’ve had all along. If you are looking for a quick, steamy, and love filled story for your beach bag…this is the one.
“Thank you, JMS Books LLC, for providing this book for review consideration via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, JMS Books LLC, for providing this book for review consideration via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.”
July 13, 2026
Heart warming, joyful, and a perfect summer read. Eule Grey never disappoints with insightful stories and cherishing the moment. Recommended!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 6, 2026
What a wonderful refreshing short story. A tale of how love can endure though the years, it may have its ups and downs but true love will always shine through. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I am not someone who usually enjoys a short story. This was the perfect length to give you all the feels and celebrate in a forty year anniversary.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews