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Sealed with a Kiss
To what lengths would you go for love? If you had a second chance with your first love, would you take it?
Crushed with a broken heart, a young Jacquie Lyon fled the island of her childhood as soon as she could, vowing never to look back. Now, two decades later, she has a new, full life with a successful career as an academic at Cambridge University. However, when presented with the opportunity to return to Skala Eressos, and a chance to make amends with the love of her life, will she take it and risk opening old wounds?
Dorothy Rowland has been a conscientious mother and teacher for most of her life, always doing ‘the right thing’. Now, in her later years, when faced with a final chance at love, will she take it?
And... will the small, conservative island community give their love a chance?
Will Jac and Dot finally find love in this, bittersweet love story?
You'll be drawn in. You'll be regaled. You'll laugh and you'll cry.
Praise for this
"If you're looking for something so much more than a romance, then this love story is for you."
"A story that will reach inside of you and warm your heart and twist it as well."
"This is one of the most engrossing and enjoyable novels I’ve read this year."
*** Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts. ***
About this lesbian romance
This collection consists of self-contained, standalone novels, all set around the same time, with overlapping characters on the Island of Lesvos. They can be read in any order.
Books in the
• Sealed with a Kiss
• A Change of Heart
• Eye of the Storm
• Sugar and Spice
• Amenah Awakens (Free taster)
• The Sappho Romance (Alternative History spinoff)
Sign up to Sam’s VIP Reader Club to receive news and notification of future releases. See back of the book for details.
Crushed with a broken heart, a young Jacquie Lyon fled the island of her childhood as soon as she could, vowing never to look back. Now, two decades later, she has a new, full life with a successful career as an academic at Cambridge University. However, when presented with the opportunity to return to Skala Eressos, and a chance to make amends with the love of her life, will she take it and risk opening old wounds?
Dorothy Rowland has been a conscientious mother and teacher for most of her life, always doing ‘the right thing’. Now, in her later years, when faced with a final chance at love, will she take it?
And... will the small, conservative island community give their love a chance?
Will Jac and Dot finally find love in this, bittersweet love story?
You'll be drawn in. You'll be regaled. You'll laugh and you'll cry.
Praise for this
"If you're looking for something so much more than a romance, then this love story is for you."
"A story that will reach inside of you and warm your heart and twist it as well."
"This is one of the most engrossing and enjoyable novels I’ve read this year."
*** Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts. ***
About this lesbian romance
This collection consists of self-contained, standalone novels, all set around the same time, with overlapping characters on the Island of Lesvos. They can be read in any order.
Books in the
• Sealed with a Kiss
• A Change of Heart
• Eye of the Storm
• Sugar and Spice
• Amenah Awakens (Free taster)
• The Sappho Romance (Alternative History spinoff)
Sign up to Sam’s VIP Reader Club to receive news and notification of future releases. See back of the book for details.
- GenresRomance
252 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2020
97 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 12, 2021
One of the mc's dies and the other cheats. So both of these are terrible and not what I want in my romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2020
WOW!
Sealed with a Kiss is a real treat for those who, like me, are an enthusiastic fan for Sappho and the gorgeous Greek island of Lesbos. The story leaves me with a longing for Lesbos and by the end I felt I knew a little more of the lyric poet Sappho. The story of Jac and Dot is vividly described. It's a perfect blend of a heartwarming second chance, age-gap romance and a bit of history. You can feel all their emotions and taste the atmosphere of Skala Eressos. The characters are well drawn, have depth and the dialogues are clever. The end of the story wasn't what I expected, or rather, what I was hoping for. Nevertheless, this book has been an absolute pleasure to read. The storyline is original and refreshing. I highly recommend it.
Sealed with a Kiss is a real treat for those who, like me, are an enthusiastic fan for Sappho and the gorgeous Greek island of Lesbos. The story leaves me with a longing for Lesbos and by the end I felt I knew a little more of the lyric poet Sappho. The story of Jac and Dot is vividly described. It's a perfect blend of a heartwarming second chance, age-gap romance and a bit of history. You can feel all their emotions and taste the atmosphere of Skala Eressos. The characters are well drawn, have depth and the dialogues are clever. The end of the story wasn't what I expected, or rather, what I was hoping for. Nevertheless, this book has been an absolute pleasure to read. The storyline is original and refreshing. I highly recommend it.
October 7, 2020
A lovely romance!
Jac ran off from the sleepy town of Skala Eressos as soon as she was finished with school. Returning home for some much needed time to think about her future as an academic in Cambridge, she finds herself seeking out her old teacher Dot. Jac’s return is a bit of a surprise to Dot, especially after everything that happened all those years ago. Dot is struggling with all the changes to her life recently but with Jac back she finds herself finally gaining some freedom whilst helping Jac just achieve her goals.
Such a deep, emotional and moving romance. I loved how it gave a snippet of the past, then moved on to the most wonderful romance. It really was one of those must read romances, a student and her teacher re-united after all those years and finally free to explore freedom and possibility. It was such a dream read for the romance genre and Sam wrote a truly believable story about two people who had an amazing connection. It was filled with all the drama and cuteness needed for a perfect romance.
It had that unique style that Sam brings to romance, twisting the story into something meaningful and with underlying messages. I love how Sam really brings to life a subject within the story, like the academia surrounding Jac and makes it something wonderful to learn about during the story. I always feel like I just get something more with Sam’s romances. They are real, raw, and emotionally move me and Sealed With A Kiss was so beautiful that I just couldn’t put it down. I was literally wowed with every turn of the page.
I really enjoyed this romance. Loved Dot and Jac’s chemistry and relationship, and can’t wait to read more from this series. It was great and I highly recommend it.
Jac ran off from the sleepy town of Skala Eressos as soon as she was finished with school. Returning home for some much needed time to think about her future as an academic in Cambridge, she finds herself seeking out her old teacher Dot. Jac’s return is a bit of a surprise to Dot, especially after everything that happened all those years ago. Dot is struggling with all the changes to her life recently but with Jac back she finds herself finally gaining some freedom whilst helping Jac just achieve her goals.
Such a deep, emotional and moving romance. I loved how it gave a snippet of the past, then moved on to the most wonderful romance. It really was one of those must read romances, a student and her teacher re-united after all those years and finally free to explore freedom and possibility. It was such a dream read for the romance genre and Sam wrote a truly believable story about two people who had an amazing connection. It was filled with all the drama and cuteness needed for a perfect romance.
It had that unique style that Sam brings to romance, twisting the story into something meaningful and with underlying messages. I love how Sam really brings to life a subject within the story, like the academia surrounding Jac and makes it something wonderful to learn about during the story. I always feel like I just get something more with Sam’s romances. They are real, raw, and emotionally move me and Sealed With A Kiss was so beautiful that I just couldn’t put it down. I was literally wowed with every turn of the page.
I really enjoyed this romance. Loved Dot and Jac’s chemistry and relationship, and can’t wait to read more from this series. It was great and I highly recommend it.
July 30, 2021
Set on the Greek island of Lesvos, Sealed with a Kiss: A Lesbian Love Story offers a beautiful setting, strong characters, and an age-gap love story that speaks to the question: "Are teenage crushes just crushes, or can the feeling really be love?" When, after years away in college and grad school, Jac returns home to a Greek island and visits her old teacher, Dorothy Rowland. During high school, Jac had been deeply attracted to her instructor, a feeling that has never changed. But life has changed, and she finds a different situation when she arrives back home. I highly recommend this story that allows the main characters to accept their deep feelings and attractions--and deal with the consequences.
September 22, 2020
What happens when you fall in love with your high school teacher? Your high school teacher rejects you because it's inappropriate. 20 years later will it work out?
July 30, 2020
This is one of the best novels I’ve read this year. It is a romance but also more. What it isn’t is a light fluffy read. It was lovely and sad and academic and inspiring all at once. Skybourne really takes her readers on a journey, starting with a teenage declaration of love that leads to Jac’s running away for 20 years. When she returns, after finding out a bit of what happened after her departure, Jac attempts to make amends, which leads to her acceptance in the village. Fortunately, her best friend Amenah still lives there as does Jac’s crush, Dot, a teacher. While Amenah plays an important catalyst role, this is Jac and Dot’s story. About midway, I expected some events, more or less, but the journey to and through them was wonderfully satisfying.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 29, 2021
A MUST READ ROMANCE
It's the first time I'm writing a book review but I was so moved and emotionally invested with Jac and Dot that I just had to leave one. This is probably one of the best lesbian books I've read.
It's a tearjerker romance novel that got me emotional from start to finish. I was hoping to read something light and fluffy to accompany me during this pandemic but I wasn't expecting to cry because Jac and Dot are so pure and too precious, their love made me wish Id meet my soulmate lol.
It was incredibly well-written and the pace of the story was so organic and believable. Compared to other student-teacher stories out there, the dynamic between the two despite the inherent power disparity doesn't cross the line as repulsive as both of them are adults and their romance were only explored later on after 20 years of not seeing each other.
I admire Jac's tenacity, that despite all odds she fought for her love to Dot until the end. And imagine having the balls to confess to your teacher crush! I admire Dot equally because she truly cares and loves Jac despite the tough love facade she displayed initially. It was wonderful seeing her let go of her inhibitions to embrace Jac's love. Dot is everything you'd admire in a woman and I for one fell in love with her intellect.
In my mind
And to add to their heartwarming story was a beautiful backdrop in Skala Eressos which definitely added an element of calm and peace and romance.
I definitely recommend this to everyone. I probably won't forget about Jac and Dot.
It's the first time I'm writing a book review but I was so moved and emotionally invested with Jac and Dot that I just had to leave one. This is probably one of the best lesbian books I've read.
It's a tearjerker romance novel that got me emotional from start to finish. I was hoping to read something light and fluffy to accompany me during this pandemic but I wasn't expecting to cry because Jac and Dot are so pure and too precious, their love made me wish Id meet my soulmate lol.
It was incredibly well-written and the pace of the story was so organic and believable. Compared to other student-teacher stories out there, the dynamic between the two despite the inherent power disparity doesn't cross the line as repulsive as both of them are adults and their romance were only explored later on after 20 years of not seeing each other.
I admire Jac's tenacity, that despite all odds she fought for her love to Dot until the end. And imagine having the balls to confess to your teacher crush! I admire Dot equally because she truly cares and loves Jac despite the tough love facade she displayed initially. It was wonderful seeing her let go of her inhibitions to embrace Jac's love. Dot is everything you'd admire in a woman and I for one fell in love with her intellect.
In my mind
And to add to their heartwarming story was a beautiful backdrop in Skala Eressos which definitely added an element of calm and peace and romance.
I definitely recommend this to everyone. I probably won't forget about Jac and Dot.
October 1, 2020
A Good Story!
I like the story. I like the confidence Jac puts out as an eighteen year old. I love the fact that she is so sure of her feelings for Ms. Rowland and dares to make a move. Of course being a teacher, Dot (Ms. Rowland) after initially enjoying the kiss,suddenly pushes Jac off and after Jac confesses her love, she reply’s And I don’t love you! Could have been handled a little better. Things go down hill from there, and especially after Jac leaves. After 20 years, Jac returns after finding out some disturbing news about Dot. After a rough start, Jac makes @ move again and this time there is no hesitation. Jac and Dot enjoy each other until life again throws a wrench in their plans and again another blow to their relationship. Between Jac being asked to leave when Dot’s daughter arrives and isn’t happy with their relationship and Jac coming back with a ring to marry Dot and prove her love in a heartwarming moment. The story takes a sad turn and in the interim, Jac finds some original papers to possibly prove her thesis on Sappho. I was left with a sense of loss and questions with the Ms Rowland character. Did They get married? Did Jac get her one true love? I wonder if we find out in the Jac continuation ......
I like the story. I like the confidence Jac puts out as an eighteen year old. I love the fact that she is so sure of her feelings for Ms. Rowland and dares to make a move. Of course being a teacher, Dot (Ms. Rowland) after initially enjoying the kiss,suddenly pushes Jac off and after Jac confesses her love, she reply’s And I don’t love you! Could have been handled a little better. Things go down hill from there, and especially after Jac leaves. After 20 years, Jac returns after finding out some disturbing news about Dot. After a rough start, Jac makes @ move again and this time there is no hesitation. Jac and Dot enjoy each other until life again throws a wrench in their plans and again another blow to their relationship. Between Jac being asked to leave when Dot’s daughter arrives and isn’t happy with their relationship and Jac coming back with a ring to marry Dot and prove her love in a heartwarming moment. The story takes a sad turn and in the interim, Jac finds some original papers to possibly prove her thesis on Sappho. I was left with a sense of loss and questions with the Ms Rowland character. Did They get married? Did Jac get her one true love? I wonder if we find out in the Jac continuation ......
July 30, 2020
A story that will reach inside of you and warm your heart and twist it as well. Skyborne is so artistic at developing characters with such depth. She serves an age-gap romance filled with youthful energy, intelligent dialogue, beautiful settings, sexy and tantalizing scenes, with some angst along the way. She made me laugh and my heart hurt at times (I never give spoilers), and a part of me wants to live on Sappho’s island to discover all the mysteries and beauty it has to offer.
Skyborne’s stories always evoke emotion and intellectual imagination for me. In each of her books, I find gems of wisdom about life and the world, how we view it and how we treat others within our limited bubble. Her characters jump from the page to the vision in my mind and I can see them and feel the scenes vividly. This is the first book of a new series for Skyborne and I am looking forward to the next one! Just sayin’.
Skyborne’s stories always evoke emotion and intellectual imagination for me. In each of her books, I find gems of wisdom about life and the world, how we view it and how we treat others within our limited bubble. Her characters jump from the page to the vision in my mind and I can see them and feel the scenes vividly. This is the first book of a new series for Skyborne and I am looking forward to the next one! Just sayin’.
August 1, 2020
A beautifully written novel; I absolutely loved it.
This heart-felt novel by Sam Skyborne is both riveting and enchanting. I read the book in two long sittings, well into the wee hours; I just could not put it down. I sense that like old friends, the two main characters will stay with me for a long time. I love the way Sam explores their age-gap relationship with such emotional depth. As ever in her novels, the whole range of ingredients are present: fully fleshed characters that pop out of the page, intrigue, plot twists, evocative descriptions of place and more. For lovers of Eressos, it is such a treat to walk its charming streets in these pages, and for those who have not yet had the Eressos experience, I suspect they will be seeking it as soon as possible. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. And this is just the first in this Lesbian Island series, exciting. I look forward to the next.
This heart-felt novel by Sam Skyborne is both riveting and enchanting. I read the book in two long sittings, well into the wee hours; I just could not put it down. I sense that like old friends, the two main characters will stay with me for a long time. I love the way Sam explores their age-gap relationship with such emotional depth. As ever in her novels, the whole range of ingredients are present: fully fleshed characters that pop out of the page, intrigue, plot twists, evocative descriptions of place and more. For lovers of Eressos, it is such a treat to walk its charming streets in these pages, and for those who have not yet had the Eressos experience, I suspect they will be seeking it as soon as possible. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. And this is just the first in this Lesbian Island series, exciting. I look forward to the next.
April 20, 2022
Fantastic read
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: non-US/UK setting, coming-out story, favorite trope,; UNICORN: book mention (possibly other categories)
I really enjoyed this novel! The romance story was incredible, but the search for the possible truth about Sappho had it's own element of appreciation for me, too. There was a twenty year time gap between the beginning and the latter part of the book, which was also significant to the story. The characters were well-developed and endearing, and their romance was beautiful, yet stirring. It was most definitely thought-provoking because difficult choices had to be made, and not everyone could or would make the same choices. I needed tissues, but it was worth every one of them.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: non-US/UK setting, coming-out story, favorite trope,; UNICORN: book mention (possibly other categories)
I really enjoyed this novel! The romance story was incredible, but the search for the possible truth about Sappho had it's own element of appreciation for me, too. There was a twenty year time gap between the beginning and the latter part of the book, which was also significant to the story. The characters were well-developed and endearing, and their romance was beautiful, yet stirring. It was most definitely thought-provoking because difficult choices had to be made, and not everyone could or would make the same choices. I needed tissues, but it was worth every one of them.
January 26, 2025
Another of the Skala Erersos series in the setting of Lesvos , Sam Skyborne has written another stand alone. This one has more focus on opposites attract. A scruffy singer in a band with an interest in astrology meeting with a neurodiverse astronomer working to photograph the alignment of the planets.
Some descriptions jumped out at me. " motes of particles danced in the shift of sunlight..."
I love stories where the answer is not straightforward like the pub quiz unanswered question. This is not only a delightful read but a hopeful read. I'm still singing Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
Some descriptions jumped out at me. " motes of particles danced in the shift of sunlight..."
I love stories where the answer is not straightforward like the pub quiz unanswered question. This is not only a delightful read but a hopeful read. I'm still singing Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
July 30, 2020
A very good, but unusual, love story
I liked this love story very much. It's not quite what I expected. It is romantic for certain, and there is so much love and warmth, but it isn't a traditional romance. IThe story is very well told, there are great characters, and the setting is lovely. I hope in a future story we can find out a bit more of what happens next for Jac in particular.
I liked this love story very much. It's not quite what I expected. It is romantic for certain, and there is so much love and warmth, but it isn't a traditional romance. IThe story is very well told, there are great characters, and the setting is lovely. I hope in a future story we can find out a bit more of what happens next for Jac in particular.
August 17, 2020
OMG an Amazing book
I start reading this book as it is so close at home, but then the story is so captivating and so wonderfully described that I couldn’t stop reading it and towards the end so many tears dropped and so many emotions overpowered me. OMG what a story. I am so glad that I have read it
I start reading this book as it is so close at home, but then the story is so captivating and so wonderfully described that I couldn’t stop reading it and towards the end so many tears dropped and so many emotions overpowered me. OMG what a story. I am so glad that I have read it
October 9, 2020
Awersome story
Fantastic and well written story about love, betrayal, anger, death and more.
Sam Skyborne did a superb job writing this allowing the reader to follow this from start -- middle-- right to the end. An age different about a student and teacher. Recommend Yes==Definitely.
Fantastic and well written story about love, betrayal, anger, death and more.
Sam Skyborne did a superb job writing this allowing the reader to follow this from start -- middle-- right to the end. An age different about a student and teacher. Recommend Yes==Definitely.
August 11, 2020
A crying novel
This book had me crying from the beginning to the ending... I loved the relationship of the ladies especially Dot's and Rhain's....Jacquie love for Dot was the purest..thank you Sky
This book had me crying from the beginning to the ending... I loved the relationship of the ladies especially Dot's and Rhain's....Jacquie love for Dot was the purest..thank you Sky
September 9, 2020
I fell in love with the characters and their story and then I cried. Through all of their trials, Jac’s and Dot’s love becomes a force that binds them together. One woman struggles with expressing her love while the other struggles with accepting who she is.
April 30, 2022
All those Wasted Years
Living in the past, without clear conversation over a misunderstanding, can result in assumption, scandal, and rumors. This hit the point, looking forward to the next book. Off to the next Adventure.😄
Living in the past, without clear conversation over a misunderstanding, can result in assumption, scandal, and rumors. This hit the point, looking forward to the next book. Off to the next Adventure.😄
January 28, 2024
Fantastic book
First time reading your book and i was blown away by it. I couldn't put it down. Such a heart racing novel. From love to sadness and everything in between. I can't wait to read the whole set
First time reading your book and i was blown away by it. I couldn't put it down. Such a heart racing novel. From love to sadness and everything in between. I can't wait to read the whole set
November 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this book was sad that Jac and Dot finally got together and Dot dies so sad😢
January 15, 2022
Yeah nah. Wasted my time on this one because of you know what happened.
August 1, 2023
I loved this book, sincere, heart felt and emotional.
No more needs to be said.
No more needs to be said.
September 29, 2020
Mixed emotions on the story plot. Well written. The teacher & student is a slippery slope as was well demonstrated in the book.
November 16, 2020
A very beautiful story with a nice and colorful supporting cast, a believable antagonist (I think we have al met several people like her) and two charming characters in the lead, but sadly also a bittersweet ending that was very well-written. Have to admit that I was expecting it but the moment still took me by surprise with a few tears. Hope to see some more of Jac in future books.
December 23, 2020
Jac has had a crush on Dot since the first day since she saw her. She still thinks about her as the only woman who she ever loved. Once Jac learns that Dot's teaching career is in jeopardy she rushes back to her former hometown to right a wrong.
Good story.
Good story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews